The 2000–2001 Western United States wildfires were a series of unusually severe wildfires that caused more than $2 billion (USD) in damage[1] and resulted in the deaths of four firefighters.

A declaration of a state of emergency brought six military battalions and firefighting teams from as far away as Australia and New Zealand to the Western United States.

[3] Federal and state land management organizations recognize the fires as historic "both in extent and duration".

Long-lasting ecological damage, including flooding, top soil runoff, and air quality damage continues to this day.

One of the most stunning photos from these fires are two elk seeking shelter in the East Fork of the Bitterroot River.