"The fire’s rapid expansion to over 15,000 acres in just 24 hours and the extreme behavior it exhibited highlight a significant threat to the surrounding area. The deployment of hundreds of personnel and the escalating estimated cost underscore the seriousness of the incident."
The Davis Coulee wildfire, located in Big Horn County, Montana, was first discovered on September 14, 2026, at 04:30 UTC. By the evening of that day the fire had expanded rapidly from 40 acres to 2,000 acres, with extreme fire behavior and 0 % containment. The blaze continued to grow, reaching 15,000 acres by September 15, 01:00 UTC, and stabilizing at 15,470 acres by September 16. During the first two days of containment efforts, 93 personnel were deployed and the fire behavior shifted to moderate and smoldering. By September 17, containment improved to 20 % with 58 personnel on the scene, and by the end of that day containment had reached 50 % with 56 personnel, while the fire size remained unchanged.
Official source description: 9 Miles SW from Crow Agency, MT
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Billings. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Given the current moderate to minimal fire behavior and 50 % containment, general wildfire safety precautions remain advised. Residents should stay informed through local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel to the vicinity of the fire.
IRWIN ID: {CB361521-23CC-4573-A94B-0ED78E1B58A6}
Discovered: Sep 14, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: BIA
Est. Cost to Date: $1,153,000
Coordinates: 45.5398, -107.6275
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Davis Coulee Fire has burned 15,470 acres as of September 17, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Davis Coulee Fire is 50% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Davis Coulee Fire is burning in Big Horn, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Davis Coulee Fire remains active.
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