Wildfire Season Isn’t Over Yet: 7 Ways Montana Homeowners Can Better Protect Their Property
Wildfire season is a reality for many Montana communities. While spring often marks the beginning of wildfire awareness, August can bring some of the hottest, driest conditions of the year. With dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and windy days, the risk of wildfires can remain high well into late summer.
While no one can prevent every wildfire, homeowners can take practical steps to reduce their property’s risk and be better prepared if a fire occurs. Here are seven ways to help protect your home and property during Montana’s wildfire season.
1. Create Defensible Space Around Your Home
One of the most effective ways to help protect your home is by creating defensible space. This means maintaining a buffer between your home and nearby vegetation to help slow or reduce the spread of fire.
Consider:
- Mowing tall grass regularly
- Removing dead trees, brush, and leaves
- Trimming tree branches away from roofs and chimneys
- Keeping shrubs and landscaping well-maintained
- Spacing trees and plants to reduce fuel sources
Regular property maintenance can make a significant difference during wildfire season.
2. Clean Your Roof and Gutters
Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can easily collect on roofs and in gutters throughout the summer. If embers from a nearby wildfire land in these areas, they can increase the chance of ignition.
Take time to:
- Remove leaves and pine needles
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts
- Inspect your roof for damaged shingles
- Trim overhanging branches
These simple maintenance tasks can also help prepare your home for the changing seasons ahead.
3. Store Firewood and Fuel Safely
Firewood stacks, propane tanks, gasoline containers, and other combustible materials should be stored away from your home whenever possible.
Keep these items:
- At least 30 feet from your home if space allows
- Away from decks and porches
- Clear of surrounding weeds or dry grass
- Organized in a safe, accessible location
Reducing nearby fuel sources helps lower potential fire exposure.
4. Prepare an Emergency Go Bag
Wildfires can change quickly, making advance preparation valuable.
Consider packing:
- Important documents
- Prescription medications
- Phone chargers
- Flashlights
- Bottled water
- Basic first aid supplies
- Pet food and supplies
- A change of clothes
Having these items ready can help reduce stress if an evacuation becomes necessary.
5. Document Your Belongings
One step many homeowners overlook is creating a home inventory.
Walk through your home with your phone and photograph:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Jewelry
- Collectibles
- Tools and outdoor equipment
Store photos securely in cloud storage or another protected location. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, having an inventory can make the process much easier.
6. Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Your insurance needs can change over time. Renovations, new purchases, detached garages, workshops, or other property improvements may affect your coverage.
A yearly insurance review provides an opportunity to discuss:
- Home improvements
- New structures
- Valuable personal property
- Changes to your property
- Questions about your current policy
It’s always easier to review your coverage before an emergency rather than afterward.
7. Stay Informed During Wildfire Season
Weather conditions and wildfire activity can change rapidly.
Stay informed by:
- Monitoring local emergency alerts
- Following evacuation instructions from local officials
- Paying attention to weather forecasts
- Having a family communication plan
- Knowing multiple evacuation routes if available
Being informed allows you to act quickly if conditions change.
Preparation Today Can Make a Difference Tomorrow
Wildfires are an unfortunate part of life in many areas of Montana, but preparation can go a long way. By maintaining your property, creating defensible space, documenting your belongings, and reviewing your homeowners insurance, you’ll be better prepared for whatever the season brings.
If you have questions about your homeowners insurance or would like to review your current policy, your local Summit States agent is here to help. As your neighbors, we understand the unique challenges of living in Montana and are committed to helping you protect the home you’ve worked hard to build.