"The Skillet fire expanded to over 3,400 acres in a short period, requiring a peak deployment of 569 firefighters and an estimated cost exceeding $24 million, illustrating the significant resources needed to manage rapidly growing natural fires in Montana."
The Skillet wildfire, located 15 miles west of Olney in Lincoln County, Montana, was discovered on July 29, 2026 and is a natural fire under USFS jurisdiction. By August 6 it had burned 2,870 acres and was 3% contained, with 451 personnel on the scene. The fire grew steadily, reaching 3,414 acres and 82% containment by September 2, before achieving full containment on September 5. Throughout the timeline, personnel peaked at 569 on August 7, and the estimated cost climbed from $6.5 million on August 7 to $24.3 million by September 5. Fire behavior shifted from active and spotting in early August to minimal, smoldering and creeping by mid‑August, reflecting the containment progress.
Official source description: 15 Miles W from Olney, MT
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Backing
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Flathead Valley. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained and behaving minimally; general wildfire safety guidance applies, but residents should remain aware of potential smoke and ensure fire safety practices are maintained.
IRWIN ID: {A6E06E12-A58B-4FF0-8920-94504D253CF7}
Discovered: Jul 29, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $24,325,286
Coordinates: 48.4913, -114.8667
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Skillet Fire has burned 3,414 acres as of September 5, 2026.
Yes, the Skillet Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Skillet Fire is burning in Lincoln, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Skillet Fire remains active.
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