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Red Flag Warning Issued for Lewis and Clark, Helena National Forests

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest from October 8 at 11:13 PM MDT until October 9 at 9:00 PM MDT, with outdoor burning strongly discouraged due to high fire risk.

Staff Writer
10/08/2026 · Chouteau & Cascade Region edition

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of the Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas, as well as the Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Great Falls, MT, issued the warning, which is in effect from 11:13 PM MDT on October 8 until 9:00 PM MDT on October 9.

Residents and visitors in these areas should exercise extreme caution. Outdoor burning is strongly not recommended due to critical fire weather conditions. Winds are expected to be west at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Relative humidity will be as low as 13 percent, and temperatures could reach up to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions create a high risk for rapid fire spread, making any new or ongoing fires very difficult to contain.

A Red Flag Warning signifies that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures are contributing to extreme fire behavior. Please advise appropriate officials or fire crews in the affected areas.

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