Montana Wildfire History
The major wildfires that shaped Montana — and why today’s risk looks the way it does. The largest on this list, the 2000 Bitterroot Valley Fires, burned about 356K acres.
Check your MT address’s risk →Major Montana wildfires
- 2020
Bridger Foothills Fire
· 8,200 acresDestroyed ~30 homes northeast of Bozeman in a single wind-driven day.
- 2017
Lolo Peak Fire
· 54,000 acresBurned for weeks southwest of Missoula, forcing evacuations and heavy smoke.
- 2017
Rice Ridge Fire
· 160,000 acresA massive fire near Seeley Lake during Montana’s severe 2017 season.
- 2000
Bitterroot Valley Fires
· 356,000 acresThe Valley Complex and others destroyed dozens of homes — a defining Montana fire season.
Figures are rounded from official sources (CAL FIRE, NIFC, state forestry agencies) for well-documented incidents. For the full federal record, see InciWeb and NIFC.
Montana wildfire history — frequently asked
What was the largest wildfire in Montana history?
The largest wildfire on this Montana timeline is the 2000 Bitterroot Valley Fires, which burned about 356,000 acres. The Valley Complex and others destroyed dozens of homes — a defining Montana fire season.
What was the most recent major wildfire in Montana?
The most recent major fire on this Montana timeline is the 2020 Bridger Foothills Fire. Destroyed ~30 homes northeast of Bozeman in a single wind-driven day.
How many major wildfires has Montana had?
This Montana timeline documents 4 major recorded wildfires, from the 2000 to the 2020, drawn from official sources.
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