Wilder Fire in Fergus County reclassified as containment reaches 80%

UPDATE: July 8 at 5:03 p.m.

The Wilder Fire has been reclassified as a Type-4 incident as crews continue securing flanks and mopping up.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the fire is 80% contained and saw no growth Tuesday.

Response to the fire will be scaled down as containment increases.

No more information will be released to the public unless fire activity picks up.

The public is still asked to avoid the area and to not fly drones near the fire.

UPDATE: July 8 at 8:04 a.m.

Firefighters are making progress on the Wilder Fire in Fergus County. The fire, which was ignited by lightning, is now about 53% contained and spans nearly 3,500 acres, according to the DNRC.

The fire is burning through steep terrain on both public and private lands. Approximately 140 firefighters from various agencies are on the scene, utilizing engines, dozers, helicopters, and air tankers to combat the blaze.

There are currently no structural damages or road closures reported, but the public is urged to avoid flying drones near the area to ensure safety.

This is one of more than 80 wildfires burning in the region, with over a dozen starting in the past two days.

UPDATE: July 6, 2025 at 9:15 p.m.

Firefighters have made progress containing the Wilder Fire, now 30% contained as of 6:00 p.m. on July 6.

The blaze has remained at approximately 3,450 acres for over 24 hours.

Efforts have focused on securing the flanks and mopping up.

Around 140 personnel from various agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Montana DNRC, are on the scene with engines, dozers, and helicopters.

The fire, sparked by lightning, is burning through steep terrain on federal and private lands. Although structures are threatened, none have been damaged.

Currently, there are no closures in place.

UPDATE: July 5, 2025 5:39 p.m.

The Wilder Fire, burning about 27 miles northeast of Roy, has spread across approximately 3,400 acres and remains at zero percent containment.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) reported that efforts are ongoing to manage and contain the blaze as authorities work to protect the surrounding areas.

 UPDATE: July 4, 2025 11:50 a.m.

Approximately 100 personnel are supporting multiple federal and state agencies as they fight the 2,800 acre Wilder Fire, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

There are structures being threatened within the fire area. There are currently no closures, but the public is advised to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones near the fire.

Firefighters are working to establish an anchor point, protect structures and secure lines around the perimeter. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs are on scene with engines, dozers, hand tracks and helitack. 

Aviation resources include a Type-3 helicopter, two Type-1 helicopters, four single-engine tankers and one air attack aircraft.

UPDATE: July 4, 2025 10:07 a.m.

The Wilder Fire has grown from 200 acres to 2800 acres, according to an update at about 9:45 a.m. today by the Ferguson County Disaster Emergency Services.

FERGUS COUNTY, Mont. – The Wilder Fire is burning at around 200 acres approximately eight miles north of Wilder Trail and Musselshell Trail intersection, according to a release sent out yesterday afternoon. by the North Central Montana District Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

So far there are no road closures, although BLM has advised the public to avoid the area and to refrain from flying drones near the fire.

The fire was caused by lightning and was first reported on Wednesday night around 8:50 pm. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the Bureau of Land Management and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation have all sent engines to help contain the fire. There are also multiple helicopters on the scene. 

There are structures threatened by the fire, according to BLM.

Firefighters on the scene are working to establish an anchor point, protect structures and protect lives and property. 

Original article posted July 4, 2025 8:45 a.m.