State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Praises Strong State Response During 2025 Fire Season
DNRC kept 94 percent of wildland fires to 10 acres or fewer
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today praised The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for its response during the 2025 fire season, keeping 94 percent of fires under its direct protection to 10 acres or fewer.
“Montanans expect the state to be prepared when wildfire threatens our homes and communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The results of this past fire season demonstrate how effective forest management, historic investments, strong partnerships, and the dedication of our wildland firefighters make a real difference across the state.”
Across the state, Montana experienced 2,424 wildfires that burned a total of 75,099 acres. Of those fires, 32 percent were caused by lightning, while 68 percent were human-caused or had an undetermined cause. The DNRC’s ability to initiate early detection, rapid response, and an aggressive initial attack underscores the agency’s success in keeping a majority of wildland fires on state-protected land contained to 10 acres or less to protect lives and property.
According to data from the Montana Department of Revenue, DNRC’s wildfire response helped protect approximately $36.67 billion in value on private lands and $424.49 million on non-private lands.
“Thanks to the swift and strategic response of our dedicated wildfire response professionals, the DNRC protected nearly $37 billion in property value during last year’s fire season,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “This proves once again that proactive initial attack isn’t just effective policy, it’s the frontline defense to saving lives, homes and our natural resources.”
“The success of the 2025 season reflects the exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication of wildland firefighters, dispatchers and support personnel,” DNRC Fire Protection Bureau Chief Matt Hall added. “Their efforts across the state and on the ground helped protect communities when they needed it most, reflecting the spirit and resilience that define the best of Montana.”
Wildfire remains Montana’s most pressing natural hazard. DNRC continues to invest in wildfire prevention, community preparedness, homeowner risk reduction, prescribed fire and fuel hazard reduction projects across the state. These efforts aim to engage communities and help prioritize proactive action long before a fire ever starts.
Gov. Gianforte concluded, “Montana’s approach to wildfire suppression and prevention continues to be a model of proactive planning and decisive action. On behalf of a grateful state, I say thank you to the DNRC and our wildfire response professionals for their tireless work protecting this place we call home.”
The State of Montana is responsible for wildland fire protection on approximately 60 million acres of state, private and federal lands. Fire protection is provided through wildland fire crews, aviation resources and the County Co-op Program.
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