Wildfire Resources
Dangerous and destructive wildfires burning across Montana pose risks to the safety of folks on the ground and the health of our communities.
But Montanans are resilient. And we'll work together, as we always have, to face down the challenges of this year's fire season and come back stronger than before.
As I work to ensure folks' safety Montanans should know that my staff and I will not take our eyes off the ball. We're pushing hard to make sure federal emergency officials see what's happening, and that resources are available to Montana communities.
Below is some useful information for Montanans dealing with the effects of wildfires. As always, be in touch to keep me posted on what else my staff and I can do to help.
Be safe,
First Contact
If you need emergency assistance (including new active fires, evacuation or medical attention) call 911 or contact your local fire department or county sheriff.
Red Cross Montana
800-272-6668
(ask for the Duty Officer for Montana)
Montana Disaster and Emergency Services
406-324-4777
Disaster Declaration
Presidential Major Disaster Declaration (M4074) for Wildfire dated August 2, 2012 results in Powder River & Rosebud counties and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation named primary natural disaster areas and eight Montana counties (Big Horn, Carter, Custer, Garfield, Musselshell, Petroleum, Treasure, Yellowstone) and three Wyoming counties (Campbell, Crook & Sheridan). Producers have until April 2nd, 2013 to request Emergency loans at 2.25% from the Farm Service Agency.
Click here for more information.
ECP (Emergency Conservation Program)
- The ECP Wildfire program was authorized in response to wildfires for Rosebud, Powder River, Treasure, Cascade, Custer, Jefferson and Big Horn counties. Those interested in this cost-share program available to help restore fences, water and conservation structures, should contact the county office of the Farm Service Agency.
Wildfire range and pasture recovery
Funds are available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the request of private landowners to assist with:
- reseeding grass that has burned at high intensity
- deferring grazing to allow grass to become re-established on fire damaged land
- controlling noxious weeds as grass becomes re-established
Interested producers should contact their local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Small Business Administraton Assistance
The Small Business Administration announced it will offer low-interest disaster loans to Montana residents and businesses affected by the Ash Creek and Dahl Wildfires. Assistance is available in Rosebud, Musselshell, Big Horn, Custer, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River, Treasure, and Yellowstone Counties.
Click here for more information.
Incident Information
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Northern Rockies Coordination Center
Wildfire Smoke Updates from Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Drought and Fire Updates from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fire & Drought Conditions from Montana Tourism Office
Other State of Montana Resources
After-Fire Resources in the Ashland Area
Preparedness Information
Pasture and Hay Donations
If you would like to offer unused pasture or hay and its transportation, call DES in Helena at 406-324-4777, Mary in Broadus at 406-436-2424, or Lee in Baker at 406-778-7121.
Feed and water for livestock is extremely important to landowners and ranchers affected by the Ash Creek Fire. Locally that effort is being coordinated by the Powder River DES Coordinator Becky McEuen who can be reached 406-436-2762.