Resolved: Skillet Fire: Good Creek and Alder Creek Area
Last updated:
All evacuation orders and warnings for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area near Olney were lifted on August 17, 2026. This page is kept for reference.
What Happened
The Skillet Fire burned in the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests near Olney in the summer of 2026. You may also have heard it called the Skillet Creek Fire or the Skillet Mountain Fire; this page uses Skillet Fire, the name used on InciWeb and in federal incident reports.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office issued an Evacuation Warning for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area on July 30, raised it to an Evacuation Order on August 1, lowered it to an Evacuation Warning on August 7, and lifted it on August 17, 2026.
Affected Area
The evacuation area near Olney included:
- 2500–5100 Good Creek Road
- All addresses on Old Good Creek Road
- All addresses on Gregg Creek Road
- All addresses on Alder Creek Road
Information for Property Owners and Residents
Fire suppression and repair work may continue in the area after evacuations end. If you travel in the area:
- Expect firefighting personnel, heavy equipment, and support vehicles. Drive slowly and be prepared for delays.
- Watch for crews working along roadways, and always yield to firefighting equipment and personnel.
- Respect all closure signs, barricades, and directions from law enforcement and fire personnel.
Forest roads, trails, trailheads, day-use areas, and campgrounds may be closed. Check the Flathead National Forest alerts and closures for current closure orders.
Updates
August 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m.: Evacuation Warning Lifted
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office changed the evacuation status for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area from Evacuation Warning to Clear. There is no longer a threat from the Skillet Fire to the area.
Closure orders for the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests remained in effect for public and firefighter safety during ongoing suppression and repair work.
August 7, 2026, 1:00 p.m.: Evacuation Order Lowered to Evacuation Warning
The Sheriff's Office lowered the Evacuation Order for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area to an Evacuation Warning, and residents were allowed to return home. A security checkpoint remained in place so that only residents and property owners could enter the closed area.
Returning residents were asked to stay on their private property and not travel into closed Forest Service lands or other restricted areas.
August 2, 2026, 11:00 a.m.: Evacuation Order Remains in Effect
The fire grew on all sides on August 1, with winds pushing it east and northeast toward the footprint of the 2023 East Fork Fire. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity were forecast for August 2 and 3.
August 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m.: Evacuation Order Issued
Sheriff Heino issued an Evacuation Order for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area because weather conditions and fire behavior presented a threat to life safety.
July 30, 2026: Evacuation Warning Issued
An Evacuation Warning was issued for the Good Creek and Alder Creek area near Olney. It was replaced by the Evacuation Order on August 1.
More Information
Location
Kalispell, MT 59901
625 Timberwolf Parkway
Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact Info
+1 (406) 758-5560
+1 (406) 758-5562