"The Deer Creek fire expanded to over 1,100 acres within a week, requiring a peak deployment of 263 personnel and incurring costs exceeding $3 million, illustrating the rapid escalation potential of human‑caused wildfires in Montana's dry season."
The Deer Creek wildfire, located 18 miles west of Marion in Lincoln County, Montana, was first discovered on August 20, 2026. By the first NIFC update on August 21, the fire had burned 345 acres with no containment and 25 personnel on the scene. The blaze grew rapidly to 1,099 acres by August 28, with personnel peaking at 263 and estimated costs rising to $3,000,000. From August 26 onward, containment began to improve, reaching 25% on August 26 and 32% on August 27, eventually achieving 96% containment by August 30 while the acreage stabilized at 1,099. The fire remains active but minimal, with smoldering and creeping behavior, and the total estimated cost has climbed to $4,200,000.
Official source description: 18 Miles W from Marion, MT
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping; Single Tree Torching
The fire is currently minimal and largely contained; however, residents should remain vigilant for any sudden changes in fire behavior and follow local advisories for safety.
IRWIN ID: {9F3CE70C-D9A3-4B02-B13F-282414F1A7FF}
Discovered: Aug 20, 2026
Cause: Human
Est. Cost to Date: $4,200,000
Coordinates: 48.1615, -115.0859
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Deer Creek Fire has burned 1,099 acres as of September 2, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Deer Creek Fire is 96% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Human.
The Deer Creek Fire is burning in Lincoln, MT.
No, the Deer Creek Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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