Bitterroot National Forest North Fork Fire map

Courtesy of the Bitterroot National Forest 
North Fork fire 7/31
Photo courtesy of Discover Bitterroot National Forest's Facebook page.

UPDATE: July 31, 2026 at 12:26 p.m.

According to a Facebook post from Bitterroot National Forest, the North Fork fire had grown by about 10 acres as of July 31 and spread south and east. Crews also planned to keep working on fuel breaks north of Lost Horse Road and east of the fire.

The post said two more handcrew modules were on order and the fire’s edge remained too dangerous for direct access because of steep rocky terrain and no escape routes.

A temporary flight restriction stayed in place over the fire area. Officials said drones and other aircraft not assigned to fire operations could not enter.

Fire managers also warned that weather this Saturday could increase fire activity.

The fire had 85 personnel assigned to it. 

HAMILTON, Mont. - The North Fork Fire is burning around 105 acres southwest of Hamilton, according to the Bitterroot National Forest. 

The forest service said that Lost Horse Road is closed at the junction with Lick Creek Road (Forest Service Road 5621) "for resources responding to the fire and for public safety." 

Multiple fire engines, hand crews and water tenders are on the scene to prevent fire spread. 

This is a developing story.