"The fire’s initial size of 500 acres makes it a significant incident for the region, and the subsequent reduction to 286 acres suggests active management efforts, though details are lacking."
The Tongue wildfire was discovered on August 22, 2026, in Big Horn County, Montana, at approximately 00:38 local time. Initial reports from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) indicated the fire had burned 500 acres, but a later update the same day reported a reduction to 286 acres; no containment percentage, personnel, or fire behavior details were provided. The cause remains undetermined and no jurisdictional agency has been identified. With no current information on containment or active fire behavior, the situation remains uncertain.
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Sheridan. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
General wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed through local authorities, avoid outdoor activities in fire-prone areas, and be prepared to evacuate if instructed.
IRWIN ID: {6070034E-9526-45B1-AE7B-263B8F4D3CB5}
Discovered: Aug 22, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Coordinates: 45.1192, -106.7862
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Tongue Fire has burned 286 acres as of August 22, 2026.
The Tongue Fire has not yet reached any official containment.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Tongue Fire is burning in Big Horn, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Tongue Fire remains active.
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