Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department

04/07/2026

https://www.weather.gov/tfx

US Dept of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Great Falls, MT 5324 Tri-Hill Frontage Road Great Falls, MT 59404-4933 (406) 453-2081 Comments? Questions? Please Contact Us.

04/06/2026

FROM THE FOREST SERVICE RE PRESCRIBED BURN NOTICE:
The Forest Service is planning a 330-acre prescribed burn two miles southwest of Helena off of Grizzly Gulch road on Thursday, April 9. The burn may extend into Friday, April 10 depending on conditions. The Mini-Horse prescribed burn will incorporate lands between Show-Me-the-Horse Trail and Mini Ridge Trail systems. Trail users should choose alternative routes during burn operations on Thursday/Friday. Please drive slow on Grizzly Gulch Road during this time period as fire personnel will be accessing the site along this road and visibility may be reduced. Residents and visitors in Helena may see/smell smoke during this window into the weekend. Visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-helenalewis-and-clark-nf-rx-fires/prescribed-burn-planned-for-thursday-april-9-and-friday-april-10-2026-04-06-2026 for more information.

04/06/2026

Elevated Fire Weather Conditions are predicted for the county on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Please, postpone pile burning until conditions improve and if you've burned recently, check old piles to be sure they are out and cold.

03/27/2026

Debris burning has reopened, and we appreciate everyone doing their part to burn safely and responsibly. Before you get started, take a moment to make sure you’re prepared for a successful and safe burn.

Tips for Responsible burning:
• Get a permit, activate it, and follow all regulations.
• Check the forecast for multiple days — calm conditions are best for safe burning.
• Have a shovel and a water source ready and nearby.
• Burn in an area cleared to bare soil with a 10‑foot radius around the pile.
• Keep burn piles small and manageable — 4 feet by 4 feet or less.
• Make sure the burn pile is completely out before leaving the area.
• Recheck the burn site over the next few days to ensure it has not reignited.
• Remember, safe burning helps protect your property, your neighbors, and our community.

Thank you for taking the time to use safe debris‑burning practices and for helping keep our community safe.

West Valley Fire Rescue Wolf Creek Craig Fire Service Area Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department York Volunteer Fire Department Lincoln Volunteer Fire Rescue East Valley Rural Fire District Canyon Creek Rural Fire District Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department Lewis and Clark County Government Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office

03/25/2026

Over the next several days, parts of the state are expected to experience critical fire weather conditions, including increasing winds, warming temperatures, and dry fuels. These conditions can cause even small heat sources, such as embers, to quickly become fast-moving wildfires.

DNRC has identified an uptick in escaped debris burns and fires that were not fully extinguished over the past month. What may seem out can still hold heat and reignite, especially under windy conditions.

Take action today to prevent the next wildfire:

✔️Check recent burn sites. If you’ve burned debris recently, go back and make sure it is cold to the touch. Use the drown, stir, feel method by adding water, stirring ashes, and repeating until no heat remains.

✔️ Avoid burning when windy and avoid other actions that could cause a spark. Even a brief gust can carry embers into nearby grass or brush.

✔️ Clear around burn areas. Remove nearby fuels like dry grass, leaves, and wood debris.

✔️ Have water and tools ready. A shovel and water source should always be on hand when burning.

⚠️ Remember: If it’s too windy, it’s too risky! Consider postponing any burning until conditions improve.

We all play a role in preventing wildfires. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare today can prevent a wildfire tomorrow. For more information on safe fire practices and current fire restrictions, visit MTFireInfo.org

03/23/2026

The planning has begun for our 8th Public Safety Open House! Save the date!!

03/18/2026

Baxendale Fire doing a little training last night, surround and drown.

03/14/2026

West Valley Fire is requesting to have i15 be shut down right now at lincoln rd … if your headed that way, please dont go.