HELENA, MT -- Governor Greg Gianforte on Nov 7th, highlighted the partnership between the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) that strengthened Montana’s firefighting capabilities and boosted the skills of incarcerated individuals.

“For over twenty years, the partnership between the DOC and DNRC offers a unique opportunity for incarcerated Montanans to build skills while also providing an essential service to the state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “During this active fire season, we needed all hands-on deck to approach each fire with an aggressive attack. I join all Montanans in thanking our fire crews across the state for their work to suppress wildfires and keep lives and properties safe.”

Since 2002, the Montana DOC Deer Lodge Crew has been instrumental in supporting DNRC response to wildfires. This season, the crew assisted in fighting five wildfires including the Dalton, Chamberlain, Doherty Mountain, Black Canyon, and Big Hollow fires. The Correction’s firefighting crew is composed of correctional officers, up to 15 incarcerated individuals, and DNRC staff. The DOC rigorously screens inmates who apply to participate in the fire crew program considering criteria including security level, behavior, and proximity to release date.

“When fire season gets busy, firefighting hand crews are essential to successful fire suppression,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “Having this crew readily available in Montana helps DNRC achieve our goals of safe and aggressive initial attack.”

All crew members, including correctional officers and incarcerated individuals, undergo rigorous wildland firefighting training. The DNRC hosts an annual safety and fire suppression training at the Montana State Prison. When needed, the crew is called to respond to fires occurring on state and county land in Montana.

“It is essential that the DOC provide individuals under our care with marketable skills so they can leave prison and never come back,” said DOC Director Brian Gootkin. “That means giving them experience in high-demand positions, like wildland firefighting, so when they return to our communities, they can pursue careers with decent wages to care for themselves and their families. The department is grateful for this partnership with the DNRC which allows them to do that.”

In 2024, the Deer Lodge Crew spent a total of 42 days actively suppressing fires. The crew also assisted with prescribed burns, pre-commercial thinning, fuels management, fencing range management, and other wildfire risk mitigation projects.

In late August, the Deer Lodge Crew played a pivotal role in responding to the Big Hollow Fire. The crew was staged for initial attack in Helena before moving to the 3,449-acre fire southwest of Dillon, where they protected nearby structures by securing the fire’s perimeter.

Emphasizing the integral role of the team, Bob Culbreth, a DNRC assistant fire manager in Helena, added, “The Deer Lodge Crew members were trained professionals, and did a great job. Without them, it would have been a lot harder to get the work done.”

As the 2024 wildfire season wraps up, the Deer Lodge Crew looks forward to continuing their vital work in future seasons, playing a crucial role in safeguarding Montana’s forests and communities.