Black Bear Fire map & updates
The Black Bear Fire is burning in Ravalli County, MT (15 Miles E from Hamilton, MT). Latest size 2,126 acres, 80% contained.
Black Bear Fire map
Shaded area: the latest mapped fire perimeter (2026-08-26). Dot: point of origin. Sources: NIFC WFIGS incident record and interagency perimeters. Official evacuation orders come from the county — this map doesn't show them.
Where is the Black Bear Fire?
| Nearest cities | Distance from origin |
|---|---|
| Missoula, MT | 49 mi |
| Helena, MT | 93 mi |
| Bozeman, MT | 141 mi |
| Kalispell, MT | 142 mi |
| Great Falls, MT | 154 mi |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 172 mi |
Straight-line distance from the point where the fire started, protecting agency: USFS.
Timeline
- Discovered — August 2, 2026
- Latest mapped perimeter — August 26, 2026
- Record last updated — October 9, 2026
Air quality and wind near the Black Bear Fire
Alerts for the fire area
Other large fires within 25 miles
| Fire | Acres | Year | From this fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Grove Fire | 1,422 | 2026 | 2 mi |
| Moose Fire | 6,005 | 2026 | 12 mi |
| Railroad Fire | 1,583 | 2024 | 2 mi |
| Daly Fire | 11,387 | 2024 | 2 mi |
| Bowles Creek Fire | 6,988 | 2023 | 4 mi |
| Hog Trough Fire | 1,701 | 2022 | 4 mi |
| Whetstone Ridge Fire | 3,621 | 2017 | 14 mi |
| Little Hogback Fire | 34,532 | 2017 | 22 mi |
Wildfires of 1,000+ acres since 2014 whose origin was within 25 miles (NIFC WFIGS).
Other Montana fires in 2026
Questions
Where is the Black Bear Fire?
In Ravalli County, MT, 15 Miles E from Hamilton, MT. The nearest city in our list is Missoula, MT, about 49 miles from where the fire started.
How big is the Black Bear Fire?
2,126 acres (about 3 square miles) by the latest reported size.
Is the Black Bear Fire contained?
It was reported 80% contained.
What caused the Black Bear Fire?
The cause is recorded as natural. Causes often stay undetermined until the investigation closes.
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