The Caribou Fire was reported on August 11, 2017, at 10:51 AM, 21 miles northwest of Eureka in the Yaak Area of Kootenai National Forest.

It was started by a lightning strike in the upper reaches of Caribou Creek and Robinson Mountain.

[9] The next day, the fire moved east towards Forest Road 303, threatening 400 structures and prompting mandatory orders for West Kootenai, Montana.

[10][11] Overnight, the fire doubled in size to 6,785 acres (27 km2), expanding four miles northeast, destroying a number of structures.

[15] One firefighter was injured on September 15, sustaining injuries from a snag on their left shoulder and neck.

[16] Restoration and rehabilitation began in late fall, including the felling of hazard trees along roads and the fire perimeter.