Salute to the firefighters

We at Oettiker Creek Ranch cannot let this fire season pass without expressing our immense gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly and given so much of themselves to make sure we were safe.

Even though we live so close to the Brush Creek fire, we have never felt alone or unprotected during these last few weeks.

The folks on the scene from the Flathead Incident Command, the Tally Lake Ranger District and the Flathead County Sheriff's Department have given their time night and day to keep us informed of each new development.

The Florida Type 2 team has been incredibly well organized and effective in conducting public meetings offering expert advice and thorough updates every couple of days.

Friends and neighbors have offered their homes to us in the event that we had to evacuate, given us generators on loan in case of a power outage, and checked on us frequently. So far, our policy of preparing to leave but planning to stay has proven to be safe. We hope that others may be as fortunate.

We thank you one and all for showing us your true Montana spirit. We look forward to living for years to come in this place where true caring is still alive and well.

Janice Landreau

Whitefish