Griffin Fire held after growing past 1,000 acres

UPDATE: Aug. 4, 2026 at 8:08 a.m.

An update from the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department said crews stopped the forward spread of the Griffin Fire after it burned more than 1,000 acres.

In a Facebook post, the department said shifting winds helped push the fire and explained an underground coal seam may have been smoldering since the 2012 fires before flaring up when conditions became favorable.

The department said local, state, federal and contract crews got the Griffin Fire under control by nightfall and moved into mop-up work.

The department said the fire was still expected to produce smoke during mop-up, but no more forward spread was anticipated.

ASHLAND, Mont. — Fire crews responded to the Griffin Fire near Ashland after it burned about 20 acres in Powder River County.

A Facebook post from Custer Gallatin National Forest said the fire started August 3, 2026, between Indian Creek and Taylor Creek about one mile east of Otter Creek Road on the Ashland Ranger District.

Officials said the fire was moving slowly at times with some short runs. Crews worked to build both direct and indirect containment lines.

Resources at the scene included federal and local crews. The response included three engines, four SEATs, a dozer and air attack, with more aerial help requested.