Bigfork Emergency Response Team to host wildfire session

Wildfires are difficult to maintain, very distructive, and a fact of life in western states. But, not everyone knows how to prepare for them or how to protect their property should one happen nearby.

The Bigfork Emergency Response Team, more commonly known as BERT, is back in action with former Bigfork Fire Chief Rick Trembath as they work to inform the community on ways to be prepared for wildfires.

On March 21, Trembath will cover the history of wildfires in northwest Montana, their behaviors, and what can be done to decrease the chances of losing homes to a wildfire.

“If we can prevent structure and home loss, we’ve done good with the program,” Trembath said.

Trembath has worked with fires since the mid 1960s and keeps updated on fire fighting techniques while teaching a course about it at Flathead Valley Community College.

“A lot of our district is in good shape but a lot of neighborhoods have considerable risks should a fire present itself,” Trembath said.

According to Trembath, some locations are more vulnerable to fire damage than others. He said places with ample fuel such as heavily forested land are vulnerable, particularly if it’s to the west.

He also said wildfires in this region traditionally move from west to east.

“But you never say ‘always’ with fire because there are always quirks that can happen,” Trembath said.

According to Trembath, most homes that catch on fire from wildfires do so from sparks landing in places such as gutters filled with pine needles, and not from direct contact with the wildfire.

“We’ve been fortunate with not a lot of structure loss in the Bigfork area, but the potential is there,” Trembath said. “What you do during the non-fire years makes a difference in the fire-years.”

Trembath’s session on wildfire will be held at Bigfork Middle School on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

For those unable to attend Trembath’s presentation next week, he said there is plenty of information on wildfire protection available online and through the local fire departments, Department of Natural Resources, and the Forest Service.

BERT is also planning their second annual Preparedness Fair with informational booths and sessions for residents interested in emergency preparedness for May 18 at Bigfork Middle School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about BERT, call 253-8041 or go to bigforkemergencyinfo.com.