State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte, DNRC Encourage Montanans to Prepare for Wildfire Season
Governor recognizes May as Wildfire Awareness Month
HELENA, Mont. – In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, Governor Greg Gianforte and The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) today called on Montanans to prepare their families, homes, and communities for wildfire season.
“Preparing before the smoke arrives is one of the most important things Montanans can do to protect their families, homes, and communities from wildfire,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This month is an important reminder that every Montanan has a role to play in keeping our communities safe and more fire-adapted.”
Ahead of the 2026 wildfire season, DNRC reports seasonal firefighter hiring is in its final stages, and firefighters across the state are completing training and annual refresher courses. In addition, response resources are being readied for the season, including aviation resources and equipment that have been added through recent investments passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor to increase wildfire preparedness.
DNRC continues to train and coordinate with local, state, tribal, and federal agency partners to support a safe, effective and coordinated wildfire response.
“DNRC firefighters and staff are trained, equipped and prepared for wildfire season, our crews have already responded to early season wildfires across the state,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility, but Montanans do not have to do it alone. DNRC land offices offer free home wildfire risk assessments to help homeowners take practical steps to reduce their home's vulnerability to wildfire risk.”
A key part of wildfire preparedness is maintaining the home ignition zone, the area surrounding a home and other structures. Simple actions can make a meaningful difference in a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.
DNRC encourages all Montanans to do these simple steps this month:
- Harden your home: Clear dead vegetation and debris around your home and remove combustible materials from decks and porches to create defensible space.
- Make an evacuation plan: Identify two ways out of your neighborhood, designate a family meeting point, and practice your plan.
- Build a go bag: Prepare an emergency kit with documents, medications, water, food, and pet supplies — ready to grab at a moment's notice.
- Sign up for emergency alerts: Register with your local county's emergency notification system to receive real-time evacuation and fire alerts.
“By setting aside time this month to reduce wildfire risk in and around our homes and communities, we can help protect lives, property, and our Montana way of life,” Gov. Gianforte said.
Recognizing May as Wildfire Awareness Month, the governor recently signed a proclamation to encourage Montanans to better prepare their homes and communities for wildfires.
Visit dnrc.mt.gov and mtfireinfo.org for free wildfire preparedness resources. To view Gov. Gianforte's Wildfire Awareness Month proclamation, see here.
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