Ordway Fire 100% contained, 185 acres burned

UPDATE: March 25 at 3:29 p.m.

According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Ordway Fire has been 100% contained.

Authorities determined that the fire was caused by an escaped debris burn.

Crews will continue patrolling and monitoring the area.

UPDATE: March 24 at 3:30 p.m.

The Ordway Fire, located northeast of Craig, has burned 185 acres since March 20 and is now 85% contained.

Six engines and two hand crews are working to mop up the area and secure the perimeter while addressing interior smokes.

UPDATE: March 23 at 4:45 p.m.

Residents evacuated from the Ordway Fire were allowed to return home this afternoon, but they need to remain ready to leave if conditions change, Montana DNRC said.

Access to the area is limited to residents only. People are asked to stay on their own property so fire crews can continue working toward containment.

The Ordway Fire, located northeast of Craig, has burned 185 acres and is 75% contained.

The Rattlesnake Fire is now fully contained. That fire west of Interstate 15 near the Gates of the Mountain exit burned 47 acres.

HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) provided updates on four fires burning across Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties as of Sunday afternoon.

The Rattlesnake Fire, located west of Interstate 15 near the Gates of the Mountain exit, has reached 80% containment. The fire started on Thursday, March 20, 2026 from an escaped debris burn and has burned 47 acres.

Four engines remain on scene conducting mop-up operations. DNRC said stumps are currently burning in the interior and producing smoke visible from I-15.

"Fire personnel are on scene, please do not call 911," DNRC said.

The Ordway Fire, burning northeast of Craig, has grown to 185 acres with 50% containment. The fire also started March 20 from an escaped debris burn.

Nine engines, one tender, one Type 1 helicopter and two hand crews are working the fire. DNRC estimated line construction around the perimeter will be complete by the end of Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office has evacuations and road closures in place for the Ordway Fire.

In Jefferson County, the Golconda Fire southeast of Jefferson City on Tizer Lake Road has reached 100% containment. The 6-acre fire started March 20 from an escaped debris burn and is now under active patrol status.

The Panama Fire, located north of Interstate 90 northeast of Cardwell, is also 100% contained. The fire started Tuesday, March 18, 2026 from a campfire and burned 598 acres before being fully contained. It remains under active patrol status.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: March 22 at 4:10 p.m.