Tales of the 1910 Fire

In the summer of 1910, a massive wildfire known as the Big Burn engulfed North Eastern Idaho and Western Montana. It extended all the way from Wallace, Idaho, to just southwest of Missoula, Montana. More than 3 million acres of timber were destroyed, and 79 fire fighters were killed. This exhibit features a first-hand account of the fires by a forest ranger, as well as text and images from Northern Montana Forestry Association Records, Mss 034.

All materials featured in this exhibit are held by Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Email Archives and Special Collections if you have comments or questions about this exhibit.