HELENA — The 2024 Montana wildfire season started off hot, but has since cooled down.
According to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, 83,919 acres have burned across the state as of Aug. 12, 2024, with an estimated cost of $55 million.
After a dry June, July brought intense heat, sparking the fire season.
The Horse Gulch Fire near Canyon Ferry quickly became the largest fire in the state.
Fires like the Miller Peak Fire near Missoula and the Deadman Fire near Ashland also grew significantly.
However, a change in weather patterns has brought cooler temperatures and more precipitation, calming the fire activity.
More favorable weather has helped firefighters gain control over most fires from July and prevent August fires from getting out of hand.
Although over 60% of the state is in some level of drought, the recent weather conditions are expected to continue, reducing the fire risk.
While wildfire season can last until snowfall, the outlook for Montana reaching the average annual acreage burned of 470,000 acres is improving.
To ensure this trend continues, it is important for everyone to adhere to fire restrictions and avoid starting new fires.
