State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Secures Support From FEMA To Fight River Road East Fire
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the State of Montana secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to assist with costs associated with fighting the River Road East Fire burning in Sanders County near Paradise.
“Driven by dry conditions and high winds, the River Road East Fire has quickly grown to over 16,000 acres since Friday, burning south and north of Highway 200,” Gov. Gianforte added. “As firefighters respond to protect lives and property, I ask Montanans to continue to heed officials’ instruction and follow all necessary precautions.”
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 $900,000 in federal mitigation funding.
Reported on August 18, the River Road East Fire has burned 16,790 acres and is 0 percent contained, with 370 personnel responding to the fire.
Impacted Montanans may access Montana Red Cross emergency resources and shelter at Church on the Move, located at 300 Clayton Street in Plains.
For more information on wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and resources available to Montana residents, please visit mtfireinfo.org. Information on the River Road East Fire may be found here.
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