HELENA, Mont. – State officials are looking to alternative firefighting resources due to the above-average wildfire season predicted for Montana and throughout much of the West.
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director John Tubbs said Wednesday federal resources could become stressed if active fire seasons occur in the multiple states currently in the midst of drought and dry conditions.
In addition to the DNRC's 150 firefighters, they've trained hundreds of volunteer firefighters and have been in contact with National Guard teams that can be available at the call of the governor.
The state is also part of a compact that includes access to firefighting resources in Northwestern states and Canadian territories. Tubbs says they're already talking with Canadian officials about staging air tankers along the border should conditions warrant.
Source: Associated Press
