Montana State University Extension in Gallatin County is offering multiple wildland fire education events during May in Gallatin and Park counties as part of Wildfire Awareness Month. The events will offer information to help build informed, fire-adapted communities across the state.
In recognition of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 5, experts recommend that all Montana residents walk their properties and assess their preparedness for wildfire, according to Dominique Woodham, MSU Extension natural resource agent in Gallatin County.
“We want to make certain that residents are aware of the dangers that wildfires can present,” Woodham said.“Are there significant combustible materials within 30 feet of the home or other structures? Is the home built of fire-resistant materials? Could firefighters safely defend the home in the event of a wildfire?If residents are unsure,or if they have any questions, they should plan to attend one of the local wildfire awareness events in May to learn more.”
MSU Extension will host a wildland fire preparedness and controlled burning workshop from 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 7, at the Gallatin County MSU Extension office, located at 903 N. Black Ave. in Bozeman. Todd Erdody, fire ecologist with the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, will discuss the 2017 fire season, as well as fire ecology, fire behavior and the outlook for the 2018 local fire season.
In addition, Woodham will present wildland fire preparedness measures that property owners can take to reduce the risk of wildfire; information on grant funding available to help landowners afford certain wildfire risk reduction costs in parts of Gallatin and Park counties; and considerations landowners should take into account prior to controlled burning activities.
To register for this event, contact MSU Extension in Gallatin County before May 7 at 406-582-3280 or register at the door. The workshop costs $15.
MSU Extension will host a free public wildfire education night from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at Katabatic Brewing Company, located at 117 W. Park St. in Livingston. A panel of local wildland fire management and emergency operations specialists will discuss wildland fires and fire management. They will also answer public questions related to wildland fires. There is no registration required for this event.
Panel members will include Gary Coleman, director of the Park County Office of Emergency Management; Robert Withers, deputy fire chief of Park Rural County Fire Department; Ashley Sites, fire management officer of the Yellowstone and Gardiner Ranger Districts of the Custer-Gallatin National Forest; Megan Martinez, assistant fuels management officer of the Yellowstone and Gardiner Ranger Districts of the Custer-Gallatin National Forest; and Todd Opperman, assistant fire management officer of Yellowstone National Park.
The final event, also free and open to the public, will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the Livingston Farmer’s Market, located at 202 S. 2nd St. Local fire management authorities from Park County, the U.S. Forest Service and MSU Extension will be on hand to answer fire management questions and provide wildfire risk reduction and preparedness information. Local fire trucks and equipment tours will also be available. No registration is required for the event.
For questions about any of the events or more information on wildland fire preparedness, contact Woodham at 406-582-3280.
