MONTANA DNRC RESOURCES:
Montana DNRC’s “Ready Set Go Guide” for living in the wildland-urban interface.
Montana’s DNRC offers free site visits conducted by local fire professionals. He or she will assess your property and provide recommendations on how you can reduce your wildfire risk. Schedule by clicking here.
Montana’s DNRC maintains a “Wildfire Risk Portal”, an interactive tool for homeowners to learn more about their homes wildfire risk and what steps they can take to reduce their wildfire risk. Once information is submitted you will be contacted to see if you would like a site visit by a wildfire professional. This interactive tool also produces a professionally qualified risk report for the homeowner. Access here.
USDA NATIONAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE [NRCS] RESOURCES:
NRCS Bridger / Bangtail: Forest Health – Hazardous Fuels Reduction Targeted Implementation Plan
The goal of this Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP) is to reduce the potential for large severe wildfires in Gallatin County, on private land, that would negatively impact water and air quality, soil, plants, animals and humans by reducing fuel loading and improving forest health. Download the details below:
Natural Resources RCS (522-4000 ext 3)
Risk reduction, monitoring, recovery/rehabilitation –> https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/mt/plantsanimals/nrcseprd1340465
After the Fire: Hand Raking Fact Sheet (PDF, 181 KB)
After the Fire: Hazard Tree Removal Fact Sheet (PDF, 155 KB)
After the Fire: Hillside Home Drainage Fact Sheet (PDF, 190 KB)
After the Fire: Hydromulching Fact Sheet (PDF, 168 KB)
After the Fire: Log Erosion Barrier Fact Sheet (PDF, 156 KB)
After the Fire: Seeding Fact Sheet (PDF, 161 KB)
Forest Land Owners and Managers FAQ (PDF, 433 KB)
Forest Management Plans FAQ (PDF, 199 KB)
PMC Plants for Wildfire Protection & Restoration
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY [MSU] EXTENSION RESOURCES:
AMERICAN RED CROSS RESOURCES:
To prepare for possible evacuations, you can download the free Red Cross wildfire app. The app has evacuation checklists and other features that can be crucial during a wildfire. Search for “Red Cross Wildfire” in the Apple App Store or Google Play or go to http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/wildfire-app.
Evacuation information is also available on the Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire
If There Are Reports of a Wildfire in Your Area:
- Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
- Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
- Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.
- Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
- Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
- When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
- If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider’s advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.
Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply)
- Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply)
- Flashlight Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed