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DNRC Firewise presentation urges Lolo residents to harden homes, plan evacuations
Summary
Montana DNRC wildfire staff briefed the Lolo Community Council on home ignition zones, Firewise USA recognition, and smoke-mitigation measures. Speakers emphasized ember risk, household evacuation planning and available free home risk assessments.
State wildfire staff told the Lolo Community Council that most homes that burn in wildfires ignite from embers, and that simple, targeted actions around a property can greatly reduce that risk.
"Ninety percent of homes though that burn in wildfires are due to ember ignition," said Ella Langer, fire adapted communities coordinator for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), explaining why property-level measures matter.
Why it matters: Presenters said ember cast — burning material carried ahead of a wildfire — often causes house fires more than direct flame contact. DNRC representatives encouraged homeowners to treat the 0–5 foot immediate zone, the 5–30 foot intermediate zone and the 30–100 foot extended zone around structures with different, evidence-based actions.
Key recommendations reported to the council
- Roofs and attachment points: Use noncombustible roofing and…
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