1. MONTANA WILDFIRES
Protecting critical infrastructure, private property, and Montana citizens from wildland fires.

2. 2006 DNRC Fire Season
2006 DNRC Fire Season

3. 2006 Montana DNRC Fire Season
477,687 Acres Burned
$60 MM Total Cost
$35 MM Net Cost
3 FEMA Assist Incidents
First Fire: (SWLO)
Latest Fire: (SLO)
Busiest Day: 8/ new fires

4. FIRE IN THE INTERFACE

5. January 2007 Cost Report
39% of DNRC’s direct fire protection program is within the WUI, but over 66% of the wildland fires suppressed through that program occurred in these areas.
95% of wildland fires were contained as small fires and the initial attack success rate was similar for both WUI and non-WUI fires.
Wildland fires in the WUI cost 46% more to suppress than non-WUI fires.
Large fires >10 acres represented less than 5% of the wildland fires, but over 89% of the total suppression related costs.
Wildland fire suppression tactics change in the WUI to account for increased structure protection and can impose additional safety risks to firefighters.

6. RISK MITIGATION Private property fuels mitigation assistance programs.
Fuels management activities on public lands.
Homeowner education about Firewise and personal responsibility.
Community level planning (PDM/CWPP)

7. OPPORTUNITIES
Continue to secure National Fire Plan funding for fuels mitigation, homeowner education, and community planning.
Tap into FEMA (PDM) funds for risk-mitigation related to wildfires.
Improve community planning, development regulations, and design for firewise communities.

8. QUESTIONS?