Sawlog (MTBDF)

First Reported: 2025-05-03 17:14:45 UTC on May 03, 2025
Inciweb page: MTBDF Sawlog
Size: 2030 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: 100%
Sawlog (2025-05-03)
2,030 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Anaconda, Montana, United States


Wildfire Status:

The Sawlog Fire, reported on May 1, 2025, is currently fully contained, covering a total area of 2,030 acres. Initially estimated at 50-70 acres, the fire quickly spread in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber on the south side of the Big Hole River. Firefighters faced challenges accessing the area due to snow melt and high water conditions in the river. The fire's location is particularly notable as it is situated between the Sawlog Creek and Toomey Creek drainages, with previous fire footprints from the 2021 Christensen and Alder Fires nearby.

The response from fire agencies has been significant, with the Type 3 Incident Management Team now transitioning command back to local units, as most resources have demobilized. Currently, all fire-related closures have been lifted, allowing for normal access to the affected areas. Firefighters continue to monitor the site for residual heat, assisted by aerial resources, ensuring that no flare-ups occur.

Fire management strategies have focused on protecting critical values at risk while minimizing potential negative impacts and resource damage. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire, although no prescribed burns were reported in the area by the Forest Service or BLM prior to the incident. The current weather conditions are favorable for firefighting efforts, contributing to the successful containment of the fire.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

Date Percent Contained
2025-05-03 5% contained
2025-05-05 5% contained
2025-05-07 10% contained
2025-05-08 20% contained
2025-05-09 30% contained
2025-05-10 48% contained
2025-05-11 65% contained
2025-05-12 90% contained
2025-05-13 94% contained
2025-06-26 100% contained

Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2025-05-03 383 acres 0.6 sq mi 1.5 sq km
2025-05-06 1500 acres 2.3 sq mi 6.0 sq km
2025-05-09 1412 acres 2.2 sq mi 5.6 sq km
2025-05-10 1834 acres 2.9 sq mi 7.3 sq km
2025-05-12 2020 acres 3.2 sq mi 8.1 sq km
2025-06-26 2030 acres 3.2 sq mi 8.1 sq km