More than 150 firefighters fought Northwest Montana's second-largest wildfire of 2025.

The blaze was reported on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, just north of the banks of Wolf Creek between Baucus Creek and Syrup Creek Road, 22 miles southeast of Libby. 

Montana Department of Natural Resources fire officials said the fire size was about 140 acres Sunday afternoon following more accurate on-the-ground mapping. The cause is currently undetermined.

Fire officials said the containment was at 88%

At the height of the fire, 158 personnel worked the blaze along with 10 engines, two helicopters, four hand crews, three water tenders, two excavators and two dozers on the scene. As of Sunday, there were 73 personnel; five engines, two hand crews, one water tender and one excavator.

Fire officials said Friday a containment line was established around the entire perimeter of the fire, constructed using a combination of handline and heavy equipment. Helicopters provided aerial support, dropping water along the fire’s edge to cool hot spots and reinforce containment line.

Mountain Men tv show's Paul Antczak, who lives in the area, posted June 18 on social media, "Fire to my southwest about a mile. Wind pushing it towards my property.  DNRC is on the way. Railroad is concerned. Could be a long night."

Fire crews also got some help from a front that dropped temperatures substantially and provided rain that fell from Friday through the weekend.

The Banana Lake Fire in Sanders County, just a few miles outside of Plains and first reported May 31, is the biggest fire of the region in 2025 with 833 acres burned. It has been contained.

The Wolf Syrup Fire is the second blaze in the Kootenai region this year. The Lower Weigel Fire burned 102 acres and was also just off Wolf Creek Road, but about 10 miles northeast of Wolf Syrup.

The National Weather Service is predicting a return to daytime high temperatures in the 80s and nighttime lows in the mid 40s. A slight chance of rain is called for Wednesday through Saturday.

    Heavy smoke comes off the smoldering Wolf Syrup Fire Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Lincoln County. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    A helicopter rises above the tree line to dump water on the smoldering Wolf Syrup Fire Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Lincoln County. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)