Glasgow, Mont. – Wildfire danger will spike across northeast Montana Saturday as gusty winds and dry air trigger a Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m., with Fort Peck and surrounding counties under elevated risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, the warning replaces a previous Fire Weather Watch and now includes Fire Weather Zones 120 and 134—covering Fort Peck Reservation, Daniels, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Northern Valley, and Northern Phillips counties. Winds from the northwest are expected to reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, while humidity levels could drop to 20%.
Scattered thunderstorms are also possible by midday, mainly east of Montana Highway 24, potentially complicating firefighting efforts with erratic wind shifts and dry lightning.
Any fire starts could spread quickly southeast, especially in open rangeland or near dry brush. Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning and use caution with equipment or vehicles that could spark flames. Fire crews and local emergency managers have been notified to stay on alert.
This warning follows a trend of early-season fire risk in the region, with similar conditions last seen during June 2021’s rapid grassfire spread.
Red Flag conditions are expected to end by 9 p.m. Saturday, though additional alerts may be issued if dry and windy conditions persist into Sunday.
