Governor Gianforte Surveys Colt Fire, Receives Incident Command Briefing

• August 02 2023

SEELEY LAKE, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today received a briefing from incident command on the Colt Fire before surveying the fire area with Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) officials.

“Firefighters have been incredibly successful at containing the Colt Fire in areas where the forest was recently managed. It’s still burning hot where fuel loads are heavy, underscoring the importance of active forest management,” Gov. Gianforte said. “My hat’s off to our firefighters and all personnel who are working tirelessly to suppress the fire, establish containment lines, and protect lives and property.”

Gov. Gianforte surveying Colt Fire

On July 17, a lightning strike triggered the Colt Fire 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. The fire has burned over 6,800 acres and is 19 percent contained.

Brent Olson, with Northern Rockies Team 1, is incident commander. The fire is under DNRC’s direct protection.

Gov. Gianforte receiving incident command briefing

DNRC State Forester Shawn Thomas echoed the governor’s thanks to firefighters, adding, "We'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters doing the real work on the ground in less than ideal conditions in an effort to protect our communities. Your efforts and sacrifices don't go unnoticed."

Following the incident command briefing, the governor surveyed the fire aerially.

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