MISSOULA — UPDATE: 07-26-2026, 1:30 p.m. — After a strong, wind-driven push Saturday afternoon, the Elder 1 Fire grew to nearly 320 acres west of Missoula.
Firefighters were expected to continue establishing and reinforcing containment lines with aviation support throughout the day.
No evacuations or structures are threatened, but the Lolo National Forest is working on a closure order for the Deep Creek area. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been implemented over the fire area, prohibiting drones.
UPDATE: 07-26-2026, 11:30 a.m. — Sunday morning, Lolo National Forest provided an update on the fires:
The Elder 1 Fire is estimated at about 200 acres, burning 7 miles northeast of Frenchtown. Saturday afternoon, strong winds pushed the fire underneath Bonneville Power Administration powerlines in the area. Crews are actively fighting the fire on the ground and in the air.
There are no evacuations or structures threatened at this time, but they are asking the public to keep roads near Rock Creek clear for emergency vehicles. Lolo National Forest is working on a closure order for Deep Creek and there is a temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area.
With high temperatures and increased afternoon winds expected again Sunday, fire activity could grow later in the day.
UPDATE: 07-25-2026, 12:15 p.m. — The Montana DNRC issued an update on the fires Saturday:
The Elder 2 fire has grow to 5 acres as of this morning but forward progression has been stopped. Air Attack worked diligently yesterday, coordinating multiple retardant drops and bucket work between both fires in the area.
DNRC engines are on scene today continuing with suppression tactics. Additionally there are two hand crews and two pieces of heavy equipment ordered to assist with operations.
Residents are still advised there may be smoke in the air from both the Elder 2 and Elder 1 fire.
As of now, the Elder 1 fire has been reported at 35 acres and is under Lolo National Forest jurisdiction. Firefighters from the USFS are also working hard engaging the fire late into the night and this morning.
An update on the Davis Creek Fire was also provided Saturday:
According to the Lolo National Forest's Facebook page, "Firefighters from the Lolo National Forest made significant progress on the Davis Creek Fire overnight, located in the Missoula Ranger District, less than a mile east of Earl Tennant Campground and seven miles northeast of Lolo Hot Springs. Working late into the evening, ground crews successfully constructed hand and saw line around the entire perimeter.
Firefighters re-engaged on the line early this morning to build on yesterday's efforts. Operations today will focus on mop-up, extinguishing remaining hot spots, securing the perimeter, and ensuring the fire remains safely within established control lines.
The Davis Creek fire is 0.30 acres."
You can find more info on the Lolo National Forest or Montana DNRC Facebook page.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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Update 7:30 p.m.
The Elder 1 Fire has progressed to 35 acres, and aviation resources continuing to fight to contain along with engines and other fire personnel, according to fire officials.
Firefighters are cutting line to access the fire and gain direct access and expect to work late into the night.
More aviation and ground resources are on order to engage first thing in the morning.
No evacuations have been ordered, and no structures have been threatened.
Fire officials say they expect to provide no additional updates Friday.
Two wildfires are burning in the Lolo National Forest.
The fires were reported just after 3:30 p.m. Friday, according to Forest officials.
Elder 1 Fire
The Elder 1 Fire is burning about 10 acres in the Rock Creek area about seven miles southwest of Frenchtown.
Officials say it is burning through heavy timber at a moderate rate of spread.
Crews are attacking the fire by ground and air. Single-engine air tankers have done multiple retardant drops as firefighters make their way out to the fire.
Elder 2 Fire
The Elder 2 Fire started just three miles east of the Elder 1 Fire near the Elderberry Gulch area.
According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the fire is burning through grass and timber at a moderate rate of spread.
Crews from multiple agencies are working to contain the 2-acre fire, along with a DNRC helicopter and a helitack crew.
People in the Frenchtown, Soudan, and Ninemile areas may see smoke and low-flying aircraft throughout the evening, according to officials. They ask drivers to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and fire crews along West Ninemile Road and Rock Creek.
This is a developing story. Stay with MTN News for the latest information.
