H.S. Fire works to cover large area

The Hot Springs fire department has a big job to fill with 800 square miles of area to cover. Fire Chief Randy Woods said their area is 45 miles from one end to the other. The area includes timber and grasslands on the western third of the Flathead Reservation. "We work hand in hand with the Salish Kootenai Tribal Council," Woods said. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) has their management plan and fuel mitigation crew that burns slash piles in winter and block management burns in the spring, Woods added. During the fire season, "burns are allowed if the areas need burning." Woods explained that the tribes keep areas cleared with their management plan so wildfires do not spread as easily. Woods said tribal methods save money.

The Hot Springs fire department responds to three types of fires. Besides the wildland fires, there are house/building structure fires and vehicle fires. "Each fire requires specific equipment," Woods said. Each outfit costs $1,000 to $2,000 with a minimum of $4,000 total for each crew member. Funding from grants help with the costs. "Fundraisers are not practical any more," Woods added. The department does not show a lot of need for funding, compared to more populated areas. "We still need quality equipment to service our large area," Woods said. Funding from grants helps with wildland equipment and training.

The department is looking for a few new recruits to sign up. The training will start in spring. "We are wanting to take on only a few volunteers at a time due to equipment costs," Wood said. Volunteerism is shrinking, while specialized outfits and truck prices are skyrocketing.

Getting people to volunteer even if they are not physically able to do the hard jobs is one of Woods' plans. "If someone wanted to drive a truck or help with cleaning up after a fire, that would be a big help. Dispatch personnel are always needed as well as someone to bring food and drinks to the crew," Woods said. Woods added that from a safety aspect, they have had three structure fires in three weeks with six to eight crew members available out of twelve total in the department. Extra help would make those situations run more smoothly and safely.

Woods said they have offered junior training to high school students in the past. "There hasn't been a lot of interest recently, but I plan to ask students this year," he added. A junior crew member could get a lot of experience and help out in many ways. The department has what Woods calls "middle gear." This is for dual compliance. It can be used effectively in any situation. Crew members, such as junior staff, can wear it for helping out in those situations not requiring full-on gear.

The department has older trucks that are over 30 years old and need to be replaced, Woods said. "We are looking for funding for a new fire hall and two new trucks." A "bare bones" building would cost $600,000 to bring the department up to modern standards, he added. The fire department is located in the back of the Hot Springs Town Hall building. It is also the location for the community ambulance. Woods has been the fire chief for almost thirty years. "I always look for items that are affordable, and proper safety gear that is modern and new for our crew," Woods concluded.