Red Flag Warning Issued for Region: Extreme Fire Danger Expected

Residents in Gallatin, Wheatland, Sweet Grass, Carbon, Park, Stillwater, Big Horn, Johnson, Sheridan, and Washakie counties are advised to exercise extreme caution as a Red Flag Warning has been issued. The National Weather Service in Billings, MT, issued the warning today, October 9, 2026, at 10:40 AM MDT, effective until 9:00 PM MDT tonight.

The warning applies to the Gallatin National Forest, Wheatland County/Sweet Grass County, Beartooth Ranger District Custer National Forest, Sheridan County/Casper BLM, and the Bighorn National Forest. This includes affected fire zones 274, 284 in North Central WY, and 123, 124, 126 in South Central MT.

Forecasters predict low humidities, unseasonably warm temperatures between 84 to 90 degrees, and strong gusty winds from the southwest at 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Humidity levels could drop as low as 8 percent. These conditions will create erratic fire behavior and rapid spread of any new or existing fires. The worst conditions are expected across lower to middle elevations in fine fuels, with stronger winds in mountain locations and foothills west of Billings.

A Red Flag Warning indicates critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Take immediate precautions to prevent wildfires.