Prevention and Preparedness

Fire resistant landscaping

The goal of the fire prevention and community preparedness program is to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires and educate homeowners, who live in Montana's fire prone areas, on how to take measures to protect their homes, property and personal safety. Public outreach and education is the driving force of these programs, this is primarily done through promoting and partnering with Keep Montana Green, FireSafe Montana, Firewise Communities, Fire Adapted Communities and Ready, Set, Go!

Prevention

Our goal is to raise awareness and educate Montanans on ways to reduce their chances of starting a wildfire. Human-caused wildland fires can be broken down into eight categories: campfires; smoking; debris burning; arson; equipment; railroad; children; and miscellaneous (fireworks, explosives, ammunition, gas/oil). Over 60% of wildfires in Montana are human-caused, with debris burning, campfires, equipment and vehicles as the primary causes.

Investigation

The Montana DNRC is mandated by law to determine the origin and cause of fires within their jurisdiction. The fire prevention program uses this information to help ensure that the prevention messages being used are pertinent to what human-caused fires are occurring.

Community Preparedness

Each year, wildland fires consume hundreds of homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Studies show that as many as 80% of the homes lost to wildland fire could have been saved if their owners had only followed a few simple fire-safe practices. There is no better time than now to prepare and educate your family. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of a home or wildland fire.

Free site visits are available by a local fire professional, who can assess your property and provide recommendations on how to reduce your wildfire risk.

CLICK HERE
To Request a Wildfire Preparedness Site Visit

Our "Wildfire Risk Portal" is an interactive tool for homeowner 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.