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Commissioners set public hearings to consider expanding Eureka Fire Service Area
Summary
Lincoln County commissioners adopted a resolution of intent to alter the Eureka Fire Service Area boundaries and scheduled two public hearings — Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, 2025 — saying mapping updates and fire-official recommendations support adding parcels to improve emergency response coverage.
Lincoln County commissioners on a voice vote adopted a resolution of intent to alter the boundaries of the Eureka Fire Service Area and scheduled two public hearings to gather input from affected property owners.
The resolution (2025-27), read aloud by the presiding official, says updated mapping, property access routes and recommendations from the Eureka Fire Service Area board indicate certain parcels should be added “to enhance emergency response coverage and improve logical service boundaries.” The board set the first hearing for Aug. 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. and the second for Sept. 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., both at the North Lincoln County Annex in Eureka.
Under Montana law cited in the resolution (7-33-2401 MCA), the board must publish notice and hold public hearings no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days after adopting a resolution of intent. The resolution notes that written protests from owners of more than 50% of the properties within the proposed service area will void the proposed alteration.
A representative of the Eureka fire department, participating online, told commissioners the change reflected long-discussed adjustments driven by development: “A lot of these areas did not have any development in it years ago when the fire service there was formed, but now we do have residential properties on there and a lot of the homeowners don't know that they are not protected,” the representative said, urging the change to clarify coverage.
The board took the motion to set the hearings and proceed with the formal notice process; the presiding official recorded one voice opposition during the adoption on the record. The resolution directs staff to publish notice in accordance with Montana procedural requirements and to return for a final resolution following the hearings and any statutory protest period.
Next steps: Interested property owners may submit written comments or appear at the hearings. If a sufficient written protest is filed as described in the resolution, the board will not finalize the alteration.
