Connect with us

News

Gianforte calls for aggressive attack on all wildfires

Avatar photo

Published

on

A wildland firefighter keeps watch. ADOBE STOCK

By Edward F. O’Brien MONTANA PUBLIC RADIO

Gov. Greg Gianforte Tuesday convened federal, state, tribal and local fire officials for a preview of the state’s wildfire readiness. Forecasters say Montana could see normal fire activity this summer.

According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, 95 percent of last season’s fire starts were kept to 10 acres or less. Representatives of the state’s fire agencies vowed to build on that record during Tuesday’s annual fire briefing with Gov. Gianforte.

Gianforte says aggressive initial attack is critical, but more must be done to keep fires in check.

“We must pursue a policy of aggressive attack on all fires until they are extinguished, so long as firefighter safety is not at risk.“

As a result of legislation passed this session, Gianforte says the state will spend more than $60 million to both increase its initial attack capabilities, and to implement forest health improvement projects.

Montana DNRC Fire Protection Bureau Chief Matt Hall says 80 percent of that agency’s seasonal firefighting positions are filled. Hall says he expects all those seasonal positions will be filled by June.

Upcoming Events

march, 2024

Filter Events

26febAll Day21aprBig Sky School District Kindergarten Roundup and 4K Program Interest(All Day) Event Type :EducationEvent City:Big Sky

15mar(mar 15)7:00 pm30(mar 30)8:30 pmVerge Theater Presents My Barking Dog7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (30) Verge TheaterEvent Type :ArtsEvent City:Bozeman

23mar6:00 pm23apr8:00 pmThe Portal- Cacao Ceremony, Transcendental Breathwork & Sound Journey Meditation6:00 pm - (april 23) 8:00 pm Santosha Wellness CenterEvent Type :OtherEvent City:Big Sky

29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky

Advertisements

X
X