The Moose Fire has grown to 4,314 acres southwest of Philipsburg, Montana, with no containment reported as evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for nearby communities.
The wildfire is burning about 24 miles southwest of Philipsburg in the Granite County area, where firefighters are working to slow the fire’s growth amid hot, dry and windy conditions.
Officials have warned that the fire could spread rapidly as gusty winds and low humidity continue to affect fire behavior.
Moose Fire Grows as Evacuation Orders Remain
An evacuation order remains in effect for residents of the Frog Pond Basin as the Moose Fire continues to burn.
Evacuation warnings are also in place for residents south of the Highway 38 junction with Moose Lake Road, including areas along Moose Lake Road and Ross Fork Road, as well as Copper Creek Campground and the Moose Lake area.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to follow official evacuation instructions and stay away from areas where firefighters are operating.
137 Firefighters Working on the Moose Fire
A total of 137 firefighters are assigned to the Moose Fire as crews work to protect structures and strengthen containment lines.
The firefighting response includes three crews, two heavy-equipment task forces, two engines and a water tender.
Overnight, crews worked on structure protection around the Frog Pond community as the fire continued to grow on both its northern and southern sides.
Two aircraft are also scooping water from Georgetown Lake to assist firefighters battling the blaze from the air.
Firefighters Work to Strengthen Containment Lines
On the northern side of the fire, heavy equipment crews are nearing completion of a shaded fuel break along Forest Service Road 70.
Firefighters are also strengthening a containment line associated with the 2017 Meyers Fire area in an effort to limit the Moose Fire’s movement.
The work is particularly important as weather conditions remain favorable for increased fire activity.
Officials expect warm and dry conditions to continue, with gusty winds potentially causing the fire to spread more rapidly during the afternoon.
Moose Fire Started July 26
The Moose Fire began on July 26 and has continued to expand as firefighters deal with difficult weather and terrain.
The fire’s current size is estimated at 4,314 acres, and no containment has been reported in the latest update.
The continued growth has prompted evacuation measures for communities and recreational areas southwest of Philipsburg.
Moose Fire: What We Know
Fire: Moose Fire
Location: About 24 miles southwest of Philipsburg, Montana
State: Montana
Area: Granite County region
Size: 4,314 acres
Containment: 0% / no containment reported
Started: July 26, 2026
Evacuation order: Frog Pond Basin
Evacuation warnings: Areas south of the Highway 38 junction with Moose Lake Road, including Moose Lake Road, Ross Fork Road, Copper Creek Campground and Moose Lake
Firefighters: 137
Aircraft: 2 water-scooping aircraft
Weather: Warm, dry conditions with gusty winds
Status: Active and developing
Firefighters remain focused on protecting nearby communities, strengthening containment lines and slowing the Moose Fire’s spread as hot and dry weather continues.
Residents in areas affected by evacuation orders and warnings should continue monitoring official local emergency information for changes to evacuation zones and fire conditions.