Governor Gianforte, DNRC Recognize May as Wildfire Awareness Month

“State is well-prepared for the upcoming wildfire season”

• May 27 2025

HELENA, Mont. – Joining the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Governor Greg Gianforte today recognized May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana and announced the state is well-prepared for the upcoming wildfire season.

“Wildfires are a reality in Montana each year, but thanks to increased funding and innovative technology, DNRC is more prepared than ever before to respond quickly and effectively,” said Governor Gianforte. “While our teams are equipped and ready to protect homes and communities in the event of wildfire, we also need every Montanan to take simple steps to join us in our efforts to keep our state safe.”

Gov. Gianforte talking with a DNRC state forester at a forest management project in Kalispell in May 2024

During each fire season since Gov. Gianforte took office, DNRC, under the direction of Director Amanda Kaster, kept 95 percent of fires under its direct protection to 10 acres or fewer.

DNRC’s ability to respond safely and aggressively to wildfires was bolstered by increased preparedness resources secured through House Bill 883. The bill, passed during the 2023 legislative session, allocated $60 million over the biennium to expand the state’s wildfire preparedness and forest management efforts.

Investments include improved technology to help identify fire starts after lightning storms to extinguish fires when they are small as well as the strategic placement of increased fire equipment across the state to ensure faster, more efficient response times than ever before.

“DNRC is grateful for such critical investments from our legislature that are actively making a difference in keeping our communities safe,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “Wildfire prevention is just as important as suppression to protect infrastructure. Investments from legislature have allowed for new forest management projects to help mitigate wildfire risk.”

Cross-boundary projects and agreements on federal, state and private land have also been instrumental in improving forest management to protect Montana communities and natural resources from an increased risk of wildfire and forest health issues. Management projects include mechanical treatments, such as thinning or logging, prescribed fire, and forest restoration.

During the month of May, DNRC encourages all Montanans to assess their homes and businesses for wildfire risk. The agency offers a free service to evaluate a home's vulnerabilities to wildfire where a local fire professional will visit a property to identify potential hazards and recommend specific actions to reduce wildfire risk.

“May serves as an important reminder to prepare homes and property for wildfire season. DNRC staff can conduct a free home wildfire risk assessment on your property to offer practical tips for making your home wildfire ready,” said Director Kaster.

“Let’s work together. By taking a few easy steps now, you can help protect your family, your home, and your community,” said Gov. Gianforte.

To view Gov. Gianforte’s proclamation for Wildfire Awareness Month, see here .

For more information on how to prepare your home for wildfire season or to schedule a free wildfire risk assessment, visit mtfireinfo.org .

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