Natural Disaster
Great Fire of 1910 Declared Controlled, 1910
Western Montana
On September 11, 1910, after weeks of intense and devastating fires, the Great Fire of 1910 was officially declared under control. This massive wildfire, which burned approximately 3 million acres across northeast Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana, was a landmark event in the history of the U.S.
Forest Service. The fire claimed the lives of 87 people, mostly firefighters, and had a profound impact on national fire policy.
The immense scale and destruction of the Great Fire of 1910 led to the development of new firefighting techniques and a greater emphasis on fire prevention and suppression. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive force of nature and the bravery of those who combat it, and it forever shaped the landscape and fire management practices of Montana and the surrounding region.
More on The Great Fire of 1910 (Big Blowup)
Articles, markers, and history tied to the 1910 Northern Rockies fire storm—East Portal, rescue trains, lookouts, and the Forest Service aftermath.
- Building From the Ashes: The 1910 Fires at East PortalArticle
- A Battle That Could Not Be WonArticle
- An Unlikely Safe HavenArticle
- Douse the Flames and Climb AboardArticle
- Savenac Nursery Historic DistrictArticle
- St. Paul Pass TunnelArticle
- The Ninemile Remount DepotArticle
- The Trail Follows the TrainsArticle
- The Wickedest CityArticle
- When the Mountains RoaredArticle
- Great Fire of 1910 begins, 1910This Day in History
- Building From the AshesHistoric marker
- Pluck and Good FortuneHistoric marker
- Montana Railroad Heritage TrailHistory trail
- Sliderock Lookout TowerHistoric marker
Frequently asked questions
What happened on September 11 in Montana history?
Great Fire of 1910 Declared Controlled, 1910. On September 11, 1910, after weeks of intense and devastating fires, the Great Fire of 1910 was officially declared under control. This massive wildfire, which burned approximately 3 million acres across northeast Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana, was a landmark event in the history of the U.S.
Where did this take place?
This September 11 event is associated with Western Montana.
When did this event happen?
It took place in 1910, on September 11.
Why does this day matter in Montana history?
The immense scale and destruction of the Great Fire of 1910 led to the development of new firefighting techniques and a greater emphasis on fire prevention and suppression. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive force of nature and the bravery of those who combat it, and it forever shaped the landscape and fire management practices of Montana and the surrounding region.
Topics: Great Fire of 1910 · wildfire · U.S. Forest Service · natural disaster · Montana history