Elder 1 Fire Declared Fully Contained as Command Shifts to Local Team

Overview

• The lightning‑caused Elder 1 Fire that began on July 24, 2026 burned roughly 1,234 acres near Frenchtown, Montana and was managed initially by Northern Rockies Complex IMT1 under Incident Commander Brent Olson.
• The incident’s final update reported full containment and a transfer of command to a local Type 3 team led by Billy Trujillo and trainee Greg Anderson with operations now focused on mop‑up and demobilization.
• Crews are patrolling and extinguishing isolated hot spots, securing a 100‑foot interior buffer to stop lingering heat, and identifying contingency resources to be released as needs decline.
• Resource Advisors (READ) and Fireline Resource Advisors (REAF) are completing assessments that will shape the suppression‑repair plan for soil, water and cultural‑resource rehabilitation.
• Warm, dry forecasts and strong thermal belts raise concerns for poor overnight humidity recovery, degraded air quality and visibility, and officials say area, road and trail closures remain in effect even though the Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted.