Rice Fire, Montana
This archive page covers the Rice Fire in Montana, United States. Last known size: 7 acres (3 hectares) under a Uncontained classification.
Activity & map
Timeline, Map & Situation
Timeline
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Size reported at approximately 7 acres (2.6 ha)
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Status: Uncontained
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Fire discovery / ignition reported
Map
48.0084, -115.9111
Current Situation
This archive page covers the Rice Fire in Montana, United States. Last known size: 7 acres (3 hectares) under a Uncontained classification.
The fire was last updated 9 days ago by agency reporting systems.
Nearby communities include Libby (49.8 km NE).
No dense smoke plume is currently mapped at this location. Several additional active wildfires are located within 110 km.
Growth Trend
Growth history is still collecting. Points are saved when agency size or status changes.
Environment
Current Conditions
Current Conditions
Loading local weather…
Smoke
Layer analysis: Regional PM2.5 forecast haze is active on the live map; point density at this fire is not classified from plume polygons.
Open live smoke layer →Context
Nearby & Resources
Nearby Fires
View on MapRoad Closures
No full road closures reported within about 25 mi right now.
Nearby Communities
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Libby
Largest Fires in Montana
Community
Report an Update
Insight
Why This Fire Matters
- One of the 10 largest active fires in Montana (currently ranked #9 among tracked incidents in this area).
- Natural ignition.
- Fire has remained active for 13 days.
Technical Incident Details
| Fire Name | Rice |
|---|---|
| Agency Fire ID | 2026-MTKNF-000217 |
| Country | United States |
| Province / State | Montana |
| Location | — |
| Latitude | 48.00842 |
| Longitude | -115.91113 |
| Last Updated | Jul 20, 2026, 8:35 PM PDT |
| Current Status | Uncontained |
| Tracking | Archive — no longer in live feed |
| Acres Burned | 7 ac |
| Containment % | — |
| Cause | Natural |
| Nearby towns | Libby (31 mi NE) |
| Discovery Date | Jul 17, 2026, 5:16 AM PDT |
| Fire Type | OC |
| Data Source | nifc-wfigs |
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the current size of this fire?
The last recorded size of the Rice Fire was approximately 7 acres (3 hectares).
Where is this fire located?
The Rice Fire is located in Montana, United States at approximately 48.0084, -115.9111. Nearby towns include Libby (49.8 km NE).
Is this fire contained?
Agencies classify this fire as Uncontained. A numeric containment percentage is not available in the current feed.
When was it discovered?
Discovery (or first listed date) is recorded as 2026-07-17.
Is smoke affecting nearby communities?
No smoke plume is currently mapped near this fire in the smoke analysis layer.
What towns are near this fire?
Nearby settlements include Libby (31 mi NE).
How many nearby fires are active?
There are 8 other active wildfires nearby.
What are current weather conditions?
Weather observations are unavailable for this location right now.
Is this fire still actively tracked?
This fire is no longer in the live active feed (last update 9 days ago).