Firefighting personnel from across Gallatin County recently participated in a training to help them prepare to serve during the upcoming wildland fire season, both locally and across the state.

Firefighters and overhead management from Amsterdam, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Gateway, and Hyalite fire districts and Gallatin County Emergency Management attended the annual CAT camp, hosted by the Montana DNRC’s County Assist Team (CAT) in Helena June 9-11.

The CAT is an all-hazard incident management team containing members with a variety of backgrounds from across Montana that support local emergency responders when an incident (wildfire, flood, etc.) becomes too complex to manage locally.

The CAT camp gave local firefighters experience training on a large fire being managed by an incident management team.

Firefighters stayed in a simulated fire camp and practiced different tactics including digging fire line, deploying hose lays, performing back burns, mop up, and helicopter water drops, all with live fire training.

The training provided firefighters with skills to help with wildfires in our local area as well as anywhere else in Montana through the states strong mutual aid system.

Firefighters gained experience and knowledge in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

But they aren’t the only ones who can prepare for when wildfires return to Montana – everyone can play a part!

Everyone can help out by preparing homes now to protect them during a wildfire. Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles. Move flammable materials, such as mulch, firewood piles, leaves and needles away from wall exteriors. Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home. Get more tips at the Gallatin County Emergency Management website.

Practicing fire safety as the summer heats up and dries out is important to preventing wildfires.