05/15/2026
FINAL UPDATE: 5-17-2026
Grey Fire
March 17, 2026
Location: 3 miles east of Greycliff, MT
Start Date: 5/14/2026
Cause: Unknown
Size: 197 acres
Containment: 75%
Status
Yesterday, crews continued mop-up operations by gridding the fire area, turning over smoldering material, and applying water to ensure all remaining heat along the control line was fully extinguished. Most resources were demobilized last night and over the coming days, local engines will continue to patrol the area, monitor for residual heat, and respond to any signs of smoke. Smoke may remain visible for the next several days as interior pockets of heat continue to smolder. The fire received precipitation overnight, which helped with suppression and mop-up efforts across the incident. This will be the final update for the Grey Fire.
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UPDATE: 5-16-2026
Special thanks to DNRC for providing this information and photos.
The Grey Fire
May 16, 2026
Location: 3 miles east of Greycliff, MT
Start Date: 5/14/2026
Cause: Unknown
Size: 197 acres
Containment: 15%
100 Total Personnel; 15 Engines; 1 Type 2 Helicopters; 2 Tenders; 2 Dozers 1 Type 2 IA Crew
STATUS
Yesterday winds carried embers into dry vegetation creating pockets of unburned fuel, resulting in uneven burn patterns across the incident. As these areas continue to fill in, fire behavior is expected to remain moderate throughout the day, with continued smoldering, creeping, and torching in heavier fuels. Smoke will remain visible over the next several days as these interior pockets of fuel are consumed.
The southeast edge of the fire remains the most active area at this time. Crews will begin establishing a more direct containment line on this portion of the fire, while other resources continue securing the line around the heel of the fire. Suppression efforts will continue throughout the day as firefighters reinforce control lines by working approximately 2 chains (120ft) into the interior.
WEATHER
There is a high chance of receiving rain between Saturday night and Monday with expected gusts of wind up to 30-40 mph.
CLOSURES
An active Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area. Unauthorized aircraft use is prohibited and creates safety concerns for ongoing operations.
Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority, and the public is asked to avoid the area to ensure emergency personnel can safely and effectively perform their work.
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ORIGINAL post …….
The Grey Fire
May 15,2026
Location: 3 miles east of Greycliff, MT
Start Date: 5/14/2026
Cause: Unknown
Size: 80 acres (approximate)
Completion/Containment: 0%
Current Status
The Grey Fire started at approximately 3pm on May 14th and is burning in mixed grass and timber near Greycliff, Montana. Due to the high winds, fire spread rapidly during the initial attack. County and state resources responded quickly and remained engaged overnight, with additional resources arriving this morning. Structure protection measures are also in place to help protect nearby homes and other values at risk.
Fire behavior is expected to remain moderate with limited spotting and minimal tree torching. All spot fires have been successfully caught. One helicopter is providing aerial support through water bucket drops to help cool hot spots along the edge of the fire perimeter. Crews will establish control line along the permitter while conducting mop-up operations by extinguishing or removing any burning material near the control line. Smoke will be visible over the next several days, especially due to the fire’s proximity to Interstate 90.
Weather
Weather today will remain breezy with gusts up to 30mph.
EVACUATIONS
Residents closest to the fire were evacuated, but there is currently no official evacuation order.
Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority, and the public is asked to avoid the area to ensure emergency personnel can safely and effectively perform their work.
(Photos courtesy of DNRC)
