Gov. Gianforte Secures Major Disaster Declaration for Montana from Richard Spring Fire

• September 30 2021

HELENA, Mont. – Following his request to President Joe Biden in mid-September, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he secured a major disaster declaration for the State of Montana as a result of the Richard Spring Fire.

“This major disaster declaration is great news for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and communities in Rosebud County impacted by the Richard Spring Fire in early August,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As folks on the ground face damage and losses to power lines, utilities, tribal fencing, and public property, I’m proud to announce today that we are getting them resources they need to recover.”

The federal aid that accompanies this major disaster declaration will supplement state, tribal, and local resources being used to offset widespread damage as a result of the Richard Spring Fire. 

First identified on August 8, 2021, the Richard Spring Fire burned more than 170,000 acres.

On August 11, Gov. Gianforte announced the state secured Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with costs associated with fighting the Richard Spring Fire.

To procure additional resources to support impacted communities, on September 17, the governor requested a presidential major disaster declaration in a letter to President Biden.

The governor was notified this afternoon that President Biden approved his request.

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