The Nature Grove Fire on Montana's Bitterroot National Forest continues to hold at 1,422 acres with no official perimeter containment, though managers report minimal fire behavior and crews are now focused primarily on suppression repair and monitoring rather than active firefighting.

Fire Background

The Nature Grove Fire was detected on August 23, 2026, at approximately 4:44 p.m. after a smoke report came in from the Skalkaho drainage south of Black Bear Campground. The fire, ignited by lightning, grew rapidly in its early stages, prompting aerial water and retardant drops and the deployment of multiple engine crews.

The fire is located approximately 13 miles east of Hamilton, south of Highway 38, within the Bitterroot National Forest. It burns in mature timber litter and understory fuels in a drainage that generated significant smoke in its active phase.

Roads Reopening

Access restrictions in the fire area are beginning to ease, offering some relief for local residents and recreators:

  • Forest Service Road 75 has reopened, following improved conditions from recent moisture
  • Forest Service Road 711 reopened as of September 15
  • Forest Service Road 720 remains closed

Travelers and recreators are advised to exercise caution when near the fire perimeter, as firefighters and heavy equipment continue working on nearby roads.

Current Operations

With 125 personnel assigned, crews are focused on processing activity-generated fuels, chipping slash and debris, conducting suppression repair, constructing contingency handlines, and patrolling Highway 38. The operational approach centers on using natural and created control features to limit any remaining fire progression while minimizing impacts to local infrastructure and the Bitterroot Valley.

Weather Ahead

Recent weather has been favorable, with showers helping to reduce fire behavior. The next round of precipitation is forecast to begin Saturday night and last into early Monday, with expected rainfall averaging around 0.45 inches. A warming and drying trend is forecast for the middle of next week.

Coordination is ongoing with the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management, Montana DNRC, and the Montana Department of Transportation. Updates are posted on the Bitterroot National Forest Facebook page at facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF.