Hamilton - MT Fire Department

05/28/2026

“What is fire season going to look like?”

It’s the question everyone is asking. There are many variables that play into fire season. According to the National Weather Service, western Montana is currently looking warmer and drier than normal for the months of June and July with dry lightning and wind possible. There is potential for more moisture in August which is a similar pattern that occurred in 2023. We can’t control the weather, but being responsible while recreating and traveling is within our control. Ravalli County sits higher than 99% of all other U.S. counties for wildfire risk. If you live in the WUI area, take action now to help prepare your home and property from wildland fire.

04/29/2026

Hamilton Fire will be conducting a prescribed fuel reduction burn on 7 acres that lie between the north portion of Skalkaho Bend Park and south of Desta Street access to River Park. This portion lies directly west of Rocky Mountain Laboratories campus. The prescribed burn will take place Thursday, 4/30/26 around 6:30pm. Smoke and flame will be visible around the area with firefighters and fire apparatus moving through the parks. Please avoid the area for safety and allow firefighters to work.

City of Hamilton, MT
Ravalli County Sheriff's Office

04/06/2026

Avoid disgruntled neighbors by burning more efficiently.

Reduced-Smoke Debris Burning Workshop

04/02/2026

**STRUCTURE FIRE**

At 0645 on 4/2/26, Hamilton Fire was paged to heavy smoke inside a residence in the Grantsdale area. Residents were awakened by smoke detectors but unable to see visible flames. Upon arrival, residents had evacuated the mobile home and heavy smoke was visible throughout. Crews were able to locate fire beneath the structure that had extended interior via the floor. Fire was quickly contained but heavy flame, smoke and water damage had occurred. Direct cause of the fire is under investigation. We thank Corvallis Rural Fire District, Bitterroot Health EMS and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office for assistance during the call.

04/01/2026

We’re running out of people.

This isn’t a problem unique to one town or one firehouse. It’s happening everywhere.

Across our communities, the number of people willing and able to volunteer is shrinking. At the same time, the calls are not slowing down. If anything, they’re increasing. More emergencies. More need. Fewer people stepping forward to meet it.

Inside the firehouse, that reality is already here, and being felt in real ways.

The same names keep showing up. The same group of people answering calls again and again. The list isn’t getting longer. The workload isn’t getting lighter. The workforce isn't getting younger. We’re relying on neighboring departments to fill the gaps, and they’re relying on us to help them more than ever.

This isn’t about the future anymore. This is happening right now.

I won’t sugarcoat it. Joining a volunteer fire department isn't easy, and it takes time. The initial training is demanding. It will interrupt your routine. There will be nights when it’s inconvenient, when it would be easier to stay home, when you question whether you can keep up.

That part is real. But it’s also temporary.

What’s on the other side of that effort is something most people will never experience. You learn how to stay calm when others can’t. You learn how to step into situations people naturally avoid and actually be useful. You gain real skills you use on calls, at home, and in everyday life. And you become part of a group that shows up for their neighbors when they need it most.

It’s rewarding. It’s satisfying. And it makes a difference in your life, and in your community. It changes how you see yourself.

This isn’t about being a certain type of person. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest. It’s not about having experience or knowing exactly what to do on day one. There are roles for all kinds of people; on the fireground, in EMS, and behind the scenes.

What matters is the willingness to step forward and learn. Men and women. Young adults. Parents. People with full-time jobs and other commitments. People who have thought about it before but never took the first step. You don’t need to be ready for the worst right now. You just need to be willing to start.

Because here’s the truth: The calls will keep coming. They always do. It might be your house. It might be your neighbor. The only question is who will be there to answer them. Will it be you?

If this made you stop for even a second, don’t overthink it. Stop by your local firehouse. Message them. Talk to someone. Sit in on a drill. Ask questions. No pressure. No commitment. Just come see what it’s really about.

Because the hardest part isn’t the training. It’s walking through the door for the first time.

- Captain Cummings

03/11/2026

We’re preparing for another wind event tonight, 3/11/26, through tomorrow 3/12/26. With gusts of 70mph, thawing ground and increased moisture, large trees have higher potential of blowing over. DO NOT approach downed power lines and be wary of metal fencing with power lines on them. If you see our trucks and firefighters working an area, please respect the road blocks and do not try to go around. We’re there to help and minimize damage and injuries. Stay safe!

02/27/2026

It’s that time of year…spring in the Bitterroot means open burning of debris starts Sunday, March 1st. Before you burn, you must OBTAIN AND ACTIVATE your burn permit. The permit must be activated each day you plan to burn. If you have obtained a permit in the past, that permit is good to reuse and activate. If you haven’t, it’s a simple process. Both obtaining and activating a burn permit can be done with the attached link. Burning of natural debris is allowed, but burning of waste material is not. Reminder that no open burning is allowed in the city limits of Hamilton. Pay attention to the weather, try burning earlier in the day, burn in small increments and always have tools, water and an extinguisher ready to deploy. If the fire gets beyond your control call 9-1-1. Help our volunteers and burn responsibly!

Ravalli County Open Burn Permits

01/23/2026

**Training Notice**
Hamilton Fire, along with Corvallis and Pinesdale will be conducting training tonight at Modern Recycling near Sheafman. Fire apparatus and lights will be visible from the highway.

12/16/2025

***DAMAGING WINDS EXPECTED***
The valley is expected to see increasing wind conditions Tuesday, 12/16, and damaging winds arriving in the evening through the afternoon of Wednesday, 12/17. Gusts of 80mph in the valley and 100mph in the mountains are possible. Damage to infrastructure is expected.

Secure items around your property, and have a plan in case of emergency. Downed trees will disrupt power. Remember that power lines may still be active even while on the ground. Live wires across fences will energize fences as well. Do not approach down wires. Be smart, be safe and have a plan.

12/02/2025

The Hamilton Fire family is saddened to share the passing of our brother Mike Meuchel. Mike served the Hamilton community as a volunteer firefighter from 1987 until his retirement in 2007. Even after retirement, Mike was still active with the retirees and even helped respond to round up escaped cattle in the nighttime hours just over a month ago. Hamilton Fire, along with the family, are grateful for the support, prayers and messages that were sent after Mike’s accident. Rest easy Z, you are missed.

View Michael P. "Mike" Meuchel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.