Topography, vegetation and weather patterns make Missoula County particularly vulnerable to wildfire. Most Missoula County residents live within the Wildland-Urban Interface, which is any area where the combination of development (like homes and businesses) and vegetation can result in increase risk of damage from wildfires. Click here to see the map of WUI areas.

There are several resources available to better prepare all Missoula County residents for wildfire. 

Below are some ways you can prepare your home:

1. Get a free Wildfire Risk Assessment
   • Available to all Missoula County residents.
   • One-on-one consultation with a local fire professional on how to prepare your land and house for wildfire.
   • Request a site visit on the DNRC fire prevention and preparedness web page.
2.  Reduce flammable materials with the help of Wildfire Ready Missoula program
   
   • Cost-share program available to help individuals and communities reduce flammable fuels around homes and private property.
   • Learn more about the program from United Way of Missoula County.
   • This is a collaborative program between United Way of Missoula County, the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management and local contractors.
3. Contact your local fire district for more information on wildfire fuel mitigation
   
   • Two fire departments in Missoula County offer fuel mitigation services: Missoula Rural Fire and Frenchtown Fire.
   • These services are offered to residents that live within each fire district respectively.
4. Contact the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
   
   • Service Foresters are available to help private landowners reduce their wildfire risk.
   • Please contact the Missoula Unit of the Southwestern Land Office at 406-542-4321.
5. Prepare for wildfire smoke 
   • Understand the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
     • Click here for more resources.
   • Know how to check air quality.
     •  Missoula Public Health monitors air quality throughout wildfire season. You can also call (406) 258-3600.
     • The Montana Depart of Environmental Quality has a daily smoke and air quality forecast website. 
   • Make a plan, create a clean air room, limit time outdoors.
     • Learn more at Climate Smart Missoula.

For more information on wildfire preparedness please visit the Wildfire Adapted Missoula County website.

Do you know what the ignition zone is around your home? See the graphic below: