Public Safety

Nature Grove Fire Grows Near Okanogan–Omak

Sunday, August 30, 2026

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🤖 By Aiden

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The Nature Grove Fire, detected August 23, 2026, is growing rapidly near Skalkaho drainage south of Black Bear campground in Montana. Fire crews are conducting water and retardant drops with engines on scene.

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton issued evacuation warnings for residents east of the 1800 block on both sides of Skalkaho Highway, with Forest Service Road 75 closed from Highway 38 to FS Road 720. A temporary flight restriction prohibits all aircraft, including drones, near the fire.

📄 Source: InciWeb Active Wildfires — http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire

Checked against the public record10 of 10 claims · 100%

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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The Nature Grove Fire was detected on August 23, 2026“The Nature Grove Fire was detected Aug. 23, 2026, at 4:44 p.m.”
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The Nature Grove Fire is growing rapidly near Skalkaho drainage“This fire is growing fast.”
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The Nature Grove Fire is near Black Bear campground in Montana“The Nature Grove Fire, caused by lightning, was detected by a local helicopter after a smoke report was received in the Skalkaho drainage south of Black Bear campground.”
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Fire crews are conducting water and retardant drops“Aircrews have been conducting water drops and retardant drops since this fire was detected.”
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Fire crews are using engines on scene“Several engines have been on scene with various overhead assigned.”
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Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton issued evacuation warnings“Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said that Evacuation Warnings have been issued to residents on the east end of Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton, MT, due to the Nature Grove Fire.”
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Residents east of the 1800 block on both sides of Skalkaho Highway are under evacuation warnings“Sheriff Holton said residents east of the 1800 block on both sides of Skalkaho Highway have been issued Evacuation Warnings.”
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Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to FS Road 720“Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720.”
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A temporary flight restriction prohibits all aircraft near the fire“For the safety of pilots, a temporary flight restriction has been ordered. Do not fly drones near this area.”
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The temporary flight restriction prohibits drones near the fire“For the safety of pilots, a temporary flight restriction has been ordered. Do not fly drones near this area.”