Protecting your property from wildfires: mitigation measures available to property owners

BOZEMAN — Wildfire season is just around the corner in Gallatin County, and if you’re worried about the safety of your home this year, don’t worry. The team at Gallatin County Fuels is here for you.

“Even though Bridger Foothills was a horrible experience for our community, it was also a learning opportunity, which increased that interest, right? said Patrick Lonergan, Gallatin County Fire and Emergency Management Chief. this kind of shows what my risk is on my property? »

The Bridger Foothills Fire occurred almost 4 years ago, in September 2020. It covered over 7,000 acres and burned nearly thirty homes and many other buildings. Although this incident was devastating, it gave Gallatin County emergency management pause.

“About two years ago we started a wildfire mitigation program, which has grown over the last two years,” Patrick says.

This sparked the creation of the Gallatin County Fuels team and the home ignition zone work it does.

“These crews are working within 200 feet of homes. And by helping to reduce and remove hazardous fuels in those areas, to help reduce the risk of wildfires in the area.”

Lonergan says the crew this year is made up of 3 volunteer firefighters. One from Bridger Canyon and the other two from the Hyalite Fire Department. All three are students at Montana State University. This team started their work a few weeks ago and is tackling more than 3 properties per week.

“So they go out, and depending on the project, it might be climbing trees, it might be thinning out tree stands so they’re not as dense. It might be moving flammable materials away from the house. A variety of things, all aimed at reducing the ease of starting the ignition,” Patrick says.

And if you are interested in this work and wondering how much this wildfire mitigation would cost?

“For those within our defined project areas, we can provide assistance with home fire zone work at no cost to the homeowner,” Patrick explains.

“If you’re along the Gallatin Front, in the southern part of the valley, you’re kind of towards Bozeman Pass, you’re on the west side of the Bridgers or you’re in Clarkston. You are probably in one of our project areas.”

But this work on the home ignition area is just one of their programs. If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for work on your property OR how at risk your property is from wildfire, contact emergency management by going to readygallatin.com and clicking on the wildfire mitigation link.