Gov. Gianforte, DNRC Highlight Impact of Fuel Reduction and Suppression Efforts on Wildfires

HELENA, MT – Joining Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Director Amanda Kaster, Governor Greg Gianforte on Sep 18th, highlighted the impact of the state’s investments in fuel reduction and fire suppression efforts this fire season.

Through $60 million in funding secured when Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 883 into law, the state is prepared now more than ever before to increase the pace and scale of forest and wildfire management.

“We’ve seen some large fires this season, but many more have been prevented or suppressed through our investments in an aggressive initial attack and through new technology,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our increased resources have made a noticeable difference this season, allowing us to catch fires before they become visible.”

With the additional funding, DNRC has expanded its wildfire prevention and suppression efforts by using cutting-edge technology to find fires before they show visible smoke, securing additional equipment to fight fires faster, and addressing forest health through fuel reduction work.

This year, DNRC secured additional fire equipment that was strategically located around the state to supplement the department’s preparedness for the wildfire season. Among the additional resources was a contracted helicopter capable of carrying more than 2,000 gallons of water, and a large air tanker capable of dropping more than 2,500 gallons of fire retardant. The equipment was used as a key resource for recent large fires, including the Remington fire, the Barber Draw fires, and other fires across the state.

The department has also deployed new innovative technology to detect wildfires earlier, when they are still small, barely detectable, and easily manageable. Through infrared imaging technology, a plane is able to fly at night to detect small heat signatures on the ground. The data collected is analyzed and communicated to firefighters who are quickly dispatched to investigate and respond.

“As Montana is facing longer and more severe fire seasons, DNRC is using every resource available to suppress wildland fires aggressively and safely. This new technology allows us to catch fires before they require more resources,” said Dir. Kaster. “Our team is grateful for such critical investments from our legislature that are actively making a difference in keeping our communities safe.”

Beyond technology, DNRC is actively addressing the forest health and wildfire crisis through numerous on-the-ground projects across the state. These projects, aligned with the Montana Forest Action Plan, involve strategic, cross-boundary treatments in priority areas, including forest thinning and fuel reduction, to mitigate wildfire risks and promote healthier forest ecosystems.

For example, the Good Neighbor Authority Basin Creek watershed project in Butte is protecting the area’s water supply by using hand and mechanical thinning to reduce fuel loads caused by a massive mountain pine beetle outbreak. By mitigating wildfire risks, this project helps ensure clean drinking water for the community.

“In just one year, the DNRC has increased its capacity to sustainably treat more acres,” said Dir. Kaster. “But it’s not about the numbers, it’s the strategic impact of these projects that makes the most difference, especially when they protect critical watersheds and communities in the wildland-urban interface.”

As increased funding enables the use of advanced technology alongside proactive forest management, DNRC continues to enhance its ability to prevent and respond to wildfires, ensuring a safer future for Montanans.