Fire Fight

Mitigating risk for homeowners.

Gallatin County encompasses nearly 1.7 million acres, 64 percent of which of lies within the Wildland Urban Interface or WUI. Currently, that encompasses over 30,000 homes, most of which are at risk of being damaged by wildfire.

But just how high is that risk? Here are some stats to paint the picture:

• Gallatin County ranks higher than 82% of counties nationwide for wildfire risk.
• Belgrade has a MEDIUM risk of wildfire, higher than 47% of communities in the US.
• Bozeman and West Yellowstone have a HIGH risk of wildfire, higher than 73% of communities in the US.
• Big Sky has a VERY HIGH risk of wildfire, higher than 96% of communities in the US.

Research shows that during a wildfire, most homes are ignited by flying embers—small pieces of burning material carried by the wind. Embers can travel miles ahead of the main fire, landing in leaf-clogged gutters, unscreened attic vents, and flammable landscaping and vegetation.

Homeowners can reduce the risk to their homes by removing all flammable material within five feet of a structure. It’s also important that no vegetation is in direct contact with a building. From five to 30 feet away from the structure, keep in mind “lean, clean, and green.” Space out trees to prevent crown-to-crown fire spread. Well-irrigated lawns can also stop a fire. Beyond 30 feet, reduce tree density and remove “ladder fuels” to protect the tree canopy from flames and reduce the intensity of an approaching fire.

Does all that work sound intimidating? Fortunately, Gallatin County Emergency Management has cost-share grant opportunities available to help residents by providing free risk assessments and additional financial support. During an assessment, staff will meet with you at your property to discuss building materials and risk management.

Then, the Gallatin County Saddle Peak Fuels Module can work at low or no cost to property owners to conduct small fuels-mitigation work. Additional cost-share opportunities are also available for larger, forested properties—the health and resilience of which are critical to the safety of our communities. Creating defensible spaces and thinning forested areas also gives firefighters safer places to work while protecting your home during active wildfires.

To date, the county’s program has treated 251 acres of forested properties, and the immediate area surrounding 62 homes. Clearly there is more work to be done in Gallatin County. To schedule a free risk assessment, visit readygallatin.com, or in the Big Sky area visit bigskyfire.org.