Governor Gianforte Secures Support from FEMA To Fight Buffalo Fire

• July 19 2021

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the state secured Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) from FEMA to assist with costs associated with fighting the Buffalo Fire burning in Yellowstone County.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our courageous firefighters who are working to protect our communities from wildfire,” said Governor Gianforte. “To help them do their job and to reduce their risk of injury, we ask that folks take seriously warnings and evacuation orders from local officials and follow all necessary precautions.”

On Friday, Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) submitted the request for firefighting assistance, and FEMA approved the request that night.

The FMAG makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs. Eligible costs include materials and supplies, mobilization and demobilization, equipment use, and expenses for field camps.

Additionally, each FMAG generates over $550,000 in federal mitigation funding.

The Buffalo Fire has impacted several primary residences and outbuildings, and at the time of the request, was threatening 285 others in and around Huntley, Montana. The fire was also threatening three cell phone towers, Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative infrastructure and headquarters, high voltage electrical transmission lines, and the wastewater treatment facility in the area.