MISSOULA, MT – As wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, Missoula County officials are emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness and disaster response plans for local residents.
Adriane Beck, director of the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, recently shared insights into the county’s disaster response strategies, highlighting the need for constant planning and vigilance. While Beck expressed hope that Missoula will not face the same catastrophic wildfires seen in California, she acknowledged that wildfires remain a very real risk in the region.
“Missoula is not experiencing what California is, and I really hope that we never do,” Beck said. “Our hearts go out to that community and those impacted. But wildfire is a very real risk that we face here.”
Missoula County spans a vast area, from the bustling streets of the city to more rural, remote areas, which poses unique challenges for emergency responders. Beck explained that the county’s emergency management team is always planning for the unexpected, whether that be during routine days or in the midst of a disaster.
“Part of what we do in emergency management is what we call ‘blue sky days.’ We’re planning for all kinds of things to happen,” Beck said.
Even when conditions are calm, the county’s emergency management team is preparing for a variety of potential crises. Beck emphasized that there isn’t a specific plan for every scenario, such as fires in individual drainages, but rather a comprehensive approach that focuses on coordination, resource allocation, and evacuations across the county.
The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management uses resources like the Community Wildfire Protection Plan to assess where wildfire risks exist. Beck pointed out that the threat of wildfire is present in many parts of the county, although some areas are more at risk than others.
“We had our own windstorm this past summer that, had fires started in that storm, it could have been a very different situation,” Beck noted.
To assist homeowners in mitigating fire risks, the county employs specialists who help residents assess their properties. However, Beck stressed that it is equally important for individuals to take proactive steps to prepare for emergencies. She strongly encourages residents, particularly those in fire-prone areas, to create personal disaster plans and to sign up for emergency alerts.
“We always tell people in these fire-prone areas to start thinking about what they would do if they were evacuated. Having that conversation on a ‘blue sky day’ or around the dinner table about, ‘What would we do if we couldn’t be at home? What are the things we absolutely need to have?’” she said.
By making these preparations now, Beck believes Missoula County residents can be better equipped to respond in the event of a wildfire or other emergency. Her message is clear: proactive planning, communication, and taking personal responsibility for disaster preparedness are vital to ensuring safety during unpredictable times.
