New ‘Living with Fire’ handout
The Flathead landscape depends on fires to stay healthy and productive. However, fire suppression for the past 100 years, combined with recent mild winters and hotter, drier summers, has led to forests that are crowded, unhealthy, and susceptible to large and hot wildfires. Today, wildfire seasons are getting longer, fires are burning more area, and those fires are getting much harder to control.
No matter where you live in Montana, the land that you call home burned and will burn again at some point. We must both learn to live with fire and take action to protect our families, homes, and communities. Learn more about how you can be prepared for wildfire.
The “Living in the Flathead” Guide is a new online resource that invites newcomers, residents, and visitors to discover ways to coexist with the Flathead’s stunning natural beauty. As the Flathead Valley undergoes significant growth, the Guide offers insights into the realities of life in the Flathead, encouraging practices that promote harmonious living with wildlife, protect water quality, and bolster local communities.
Living with Fire
The Flathead landscape depends on fires to stay healthy and productive. However, fire suppression for the past 100 years, combined with recent mild winters and hotter, drier summers, has led to forests that are crowded, unhealthy, and susceptible to large and hot wildfires. Today, wildfire seasons are getting longer, fires are burning more area, and those fires are getting much harder to control.
No matter where you live in Montana, the land that you call home burned and will burn again at some point. We must both learn to live with fire and take action to protect our families, homes, and communities.
Why are some wildfires allowed to burn?
We now understand that some wildfires benefit Montana’s landscapes and communities. It is important to allow wildfires to burn when weather conditions are right and the fire does not pose a threat to homes and/or infrastructure.
What can I do as a homeowner or landowner?
In western Montana, more homes are being built in forested areas at high or moderate wildfire risk – known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The most effective way to protect homes and structures is in the Home Ignition Zone, within 200 feet of a building.
By performing simple maintenance tasks, removing fuels, and choosing fire-smart materials within the Home Ignition Zone, you can greatly reduce the chance of losing your home to wildfire.
Determine Your Wildfire Risk
Check the Wildfire Risk Portal to learn more about wildfire risk in your community and how to reduce it. Schedule a Free Visit with a DNRC forester, to assess your home and forest’s wildfire risk and learn what you can do.
Prepare Your Property
Inspect your surrounding yard for other sources of fuel. By performing simple maintenance tasks and removing fuels within the Home Ignition Zone, you can greatly improve the chance of your home surviving a wildfire.
Learn more about how you can be prepared for wildfire ⟶
Protecting the land, water, and places we love together.
