Missoula County launches update to Community Wildfire Protection Plan, schedules public workshops

Missoula County announced the public launch of an update to its Community Wildfire Protection Plan and invited residents to a series of neighborhood workshops next week.

Karen Hughes, the county presenter for the wildfire planning update, described the plan as "non-regulatory" and said it is intended as a guide for state and local officials, land managers, nonprofits and residents to identify priorities and local risk‑reduction actions. Hughes said the previous plan from 2018 needs updating to reflect new science and a greater focus on "fire-adapted communities" and the home ignition zone — the area immediately surrounding a house where actions by property owners can greatly change the chance a home will survive a wildfire.

Hughes said postcards, email lists, posters and social media have been used to publicize the outreach. She announced evening workshops in Missoula, Frenchtown, Lolo and Seeley Lake and said an online public survey will be posted on the Missoula County Voice page when workshops begin. The county will make outreach materials and resources — including a video featuring wildfire expert Jack Cohen and links to preparedness information — available on the project page.

During questions, council members asked if visuals and materials could be provided for local council meetings; staff said materials will be posted and can be downloaded or printed for local use. Commissioner Dave Strowmire added practical preparedness guidance for homeowners, such as removing firewood from decks and keeping gutters free of pine needles, as immediate actions residents can take.

County staff also said they will conduct multiple rounds of in-person outreach across the county so residents who are not reached in the first set of workshops can still participate in the planning process.