wildfire

As much of the nation broils under a scorching heat wave, Montana is emerging from days of heavy precipitation and unseasonably cool temperatures. Experts say that could lower the fire potential in the state this summer.

The U.S. Forest Service has faced budget and staffing cuts under the Trump administration, and a new analysis shows those cuts are impacting how much land the agency is able to treat to prevent wildfires.

It’s tempting to assume Montana’s summer wildfire season is going to be severe following our windy, dry and warmer-than-average winter. The official outlook released last week, however, paints a more nuanced picture.

Public libraries have books, magazines, movies and … fresh air? Missoula Public Library and its satellite campuses have been set up as spaces where people can gather during hot, smoky days and breathe clean air.

The Iran war has nearly doubled jet fuel prices in the United States. That means the bill for firefighting aircraft operations this summer will likely rise by tens of millions of dollars.

The Trump administration plans to drastically restructure the U.S. Forest Service. The agency manages millions of acres across more than 150 national forests. MTPR's Sheri Quinn spoke with Rob Chaney, author and reporter at Mountain Journal, about what the reorganization spells for Montana and wildfire management.

The Northern Rockies is expected to have a normal springtime wildfire season, despite the warm winter and low snowpack. That’s not an ironclad guarantee, but early indicators are not raising any red flags.

State lawmakers heard testimony last week on the connection between wildfires and skyrocketing insurance rates. Average insurance premiums for a typical Montana homeowner increased by 10% from 2021-2024.

State legislators received an update Wednesday on the goals of the federal government’s effort to streamline wildfire fighting resources. The Wildland Fire Service unifies operations previously managed by several federal agencies.

Great Falls fire officials responded to two back-to-back grass fires this week. Thursday’s weather forecast in north-central Montana is calling for another round of wind and warmer-than-normal conditions.