HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 Gallatin County Rural Fire Protection Operating PlanContents
1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Land Classifications .......................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Fire Protection Agency ............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Forest Lands .............................................................................................................................. 9
3.3 Federal Lands........................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Unprotected Lands ................................................................................................................. 10
4 County Apparatus ............................................................................................................................ 11
4.1 Usage ......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 11
4.3 Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 12
4.4 Personnel Qualifications ....................................................................................................... 12
4.5 Outfitting ................................................................................................................................. 12
5 Co-op Engine ..................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Usage ......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 13
5.3 Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 14
5.4 Personnel Qualifications ....................................................................................................... 14
5.5 Outfitting ................................................................................................................................. 14
6 DNRC Hybrid Apparatus ............................................................................................................... 14
6.1 Useage ....................................................................................................................................... 15
6.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 15
6.3 Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 15
6.4 Personnel Qualifications ....................................................................................................... 15
6.5 Outfitting ................................................................................................................................. 16
7 County Assist ................................................................................................................................... 17
8 Mutual Aid ........................................................................................................................................ 17
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9 Fire Warden ..................................................................................................................................... 19
9.1 Deputy Fire Wardens ............................................................................................................. 19
10 Fire Control Ordinance ............................................................................................................. 20
10.1 Training Funds ......................................................................................................................... 21
11 Firefighter Insurance ................................................................................................................... 22
12 Incident Deployment ................................................................................................................. 23
12.1 Deputy Fire Wardens ............................................................................................................ 23
12.2 Incident Accountability........................................................................................................ 23
12.3 Incident Expenses ................................................................................................................. 23
12.4 Response Plan Areas .............................................................................................................. 24
13 Agreement of Participation ..................................................................................................... 29
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1 Overview
The intent of this document is to provide clear understanding of roles and responsibilities
in regard to Title 7, Chapter 33, Part 22, Montana Code Annotated (Rural Fire Protection
Code or RFPC) and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s
Cooperative Fire Control & Cooperative Equipment Agreements within Gallatin County.
The Gallatin County Rural Fire Program has the following primary functions:
• Manage and coordinate wildfire suppression in unprotected portions of Gallatin
County (outside of organized fire protection agencies and federal land management
agencies).
• Coordinate wildfire suppression activities among fire protection agencies in Gallatin
County, and adjacent jurisdictions.
• Maintain county’s participation in the DNRC Co-op Program.
• Coordinate wildfire training within Gallatin County in support of the DNRC Co-op
Agreement.
• Provide representation for the Gallatin County Commission on wildfire related
issues.
• Coordinate placement and support of County Apparatus and Co-op Engines.
• Manage the Gallatin County Burn Permit System and established controlled burning
season.
• Coordinate activity restrictions due to fire hazard.
• Administer the Gallatin County Rural Fire Program and Fire Control Fund Budgets.
This program is based on the philosophy that it is more effective for Gallatin County to
work cooperatively with local fire protection agencies to suppress wildfire compared to
the County maintaining their own firefighters. To accomplish this; participating local
fire agencies contribute in the following ways:
• Local Fire Protection Agencies provide personnel for firefighting as a mutual aid
resource. These personnel respond to agencies in the following configurations:
o Staffing a Gallatin County Wildland Engine
o Staffing a DNRC Co-Op Wildland Engine assigned to Gallatin County.
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o Staffing a fire apparatus owned by their agency.
In exchange for this support, Gallatin County contributes the following:
• Maintains both County and Co-Op Engines.
• Apparatus assigned to participating agencies can be used for their own
incidents.
• Provides cached resources and equipment for response to extended incidents.
• Develops and maintains County Deputy Fire Wardens with expertise in wildland
firefighting.
• Provides supplemental catastrophic accident insurance for all firefighters in
Gallatin County.
• Supports training activities with both coordination and funding.
• Additional responsibilities of Gallatin County identified in this plan.
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2 Definitions
Cooperative Fire
Control Program The Cooperative Fire Control Agreement exists between
Gallatin County and MT DNRC and satisfies the requirements
of MCA 7-33-2210. Enrollment in the Co-op Program provides
access to DNRC programs and establishes commitments on the
County’s side. This agreement provides the process for the
State to support local fire departments through the County.
DNRC Cooperative
Fire Control Agreement Agreement between Gallatin County and DNRC that
establishes Gallatin County as a cooperative county for
wildfire protection.
DNRC Cooperative
Equipment Agreement Agreement between Gallatin County and DRNC for assignment
of cooperative equipment in Gallatin County.
Participating Agency A fire protection agency in Gallatin County who has in their
possession (assigned to them) either a Gallatin County Engine,
a DNRC Co-op Engine, or DNRC Hybrid Apparatus allocated to
Gallatin County.
County Apparatus An apparatus (engine or support unit) owned and supported by
Gallatin County Rural Fire.
Gallatin County Rural
Fire The program within Gallatin County assigned the responsibility
for administering the functions of this plan. This program is
part of Gallatin County Emergency Management
Co-op Engine An engine owned by MT DNRC that is assigned to Gallatin
County and has been issued to a specific agency.
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County Rural
Fire Chief The individual responsible for fulfilling the requirements
outlined in the MCA for rural fire protection in suppression of
wildland fires on unprotected lands. Notwithstanding the fact
that the duties of the Gallatin County Rural Fire Chief position
is distinct from the County Fire Warden as set forth in MCA
7-33-2215(3) the Gallatin County Rural Fire Chief acts as the
County Fire Warden for the purposes of administration of this
Plan.
County Fire Warden A position defined and required by Gallatin County’s
Cooperative Fire Control Agreement with DNRC. Primary
function is to act as a primary contact between local, state,
and federal agencies to coordinate training and wildland fire
prevention, detection, suppression, investigation, and
mitigation as set forth in MCA 7-33-2215(3). The County Fire
Warden shall coordinate with DNRC in support of the
Cooperative Fire Control Agreement.
DNRC Fire Warden A position defined in MCA 76-13-116 which DNRC appoints to
act as their agent. This is a different function and position
than a County Fire Warden.
Deputy County Fire
Warden An individual who has authority delegated to him or her to act
on behalf of the County Fire Warden. If necessary and to the
extent allowable by law a Deputy Fire Warden shall be
considered a Deputy County Rural Fire Chief.
Affidavit Land(s) Privately owned land in which the owner has voluntarily opted
to pay property taxes for wildfire protection from DNRC.
Wildland Fire
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Protection District A district created for protection of land classified as “forest
land” from wildfire in which a property tax is collected for
protection from DNRC.
Offset Protection In Montana, state and federal land management agencies have
exchanged protection responsibilities for some lands where it
is more practical for another agency to protect it. Gallatin
County contains a large amount of offset protection where the
US Forest Service protects private property on DNRC’s
behalf.
DNRC Hybrids MT DNRC will sometimes enter into agreements with local
agencies to build joint apparatus. Typically the local agency
provides the chassis and the State provide the water handling
equipment.
Open Burning Controlled burns conducted under the authority of the Fire
Control Ordinance requiring a permit. Open burning season
runs annually from March 1 to November 30. See Gallatin
County Fire Control Ordinance for more information.
Burn Ban Process by which the Gallatin County Commission can restrict
activities based on high fire danger. See Gallatin County Fire
Control Ordinance for more information.
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3 Land Classifications
In regard to wildland fire response, land in Gallatin County falls into several categories for
protection. Each type of protection is provided through different methods and agencies.
In some situations concurrent coverage exists.
3.1 Fire Protection Agency
Montana law dictates through Title 7, Chapter 33, Parts 21 through 24, MCA that the
majority of privately owned land in the populated areas of the county is within the
boundaries of an organized fire protection agency such as a rural fire district, fire service
area, or municipal fire department in which taxes or fees are collected for services.
These agencies are responsible for wildfire suppression as well as other services. Most of
these agencies have primary protection responsibility; however in some cases, rural fire
districts overlap state and federal protection, creating concurrent protection
responsibilities for wildfires.
3.2 Forest Lands
Privately owned forest land in much of Gallatin County is also in a wildland fire protection
district pursuant to Title 76, Chapter 13, Part 2, MCA. Wildland fire protection districts
are created by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation with a
vote of the affected land owners. Property within an established wildland fire protection
district is mandatorily assessed for wildfire protection from DNRC. In some cases
property within a wildland fire protection district is also within a rural fire district or fire
service area, resulting in concurrent coverage.
Landowners of forest land not in a wildland fire protection district may choose to have
their land assessed for protection from wildland fire by the DNRC (MCA 76-13-212) as
Affidavit Land.
All land in Gallatin County in a wildland fire protection district, or assessed affidavit land,
is protected on the DNRC’s behalf by the USDA Forest Service. This is conducted by an
agreement known as a protection offset in which the Forest Service protects the land in
Gallatin County on DNRC’s behalf and DNRC protects Forest Service land on their behalf in
February 4, 2020 Page 10 of 29
another area of the state. As part of this agreement, the Forest Service is responsible
for wildfire suppression activities and suppression costs for fires on this land. The DNRC
still retains administrative control of this land. Large amounts of offset protection exists
in the Bridgers, Bangtails, Northern Gallatin Range, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone.
Because of this, the Forest Ownership Boundary is different than the Forest Services’
Protection Boundary.
3.3 Federal Lands
Most federal lands in Gallatin County are under wildfire protection from their respective
land management agency. This primarily consists of the Gallatin National Forest and
Yellowstone National Park having protection on the Southeast side of Gallatin County.
Small sections of Bureau of Land Management land does exist in Gallatin County and it is
protected by the USDA Forest Service.
3.4 Unprotected Lands
Gallatin County is responsible for suppression of wildfires on private lands not falling into
any of the categories listed above. Most of this area is contained in the Northern half of
the county.
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4 County Apparatus
County Apparatus consists of all Gallatin County owned equipment such as engines, support
vehicles, trailers, and assorted equipment. Some of this equipment will be assigned to
participating agencies for their use with the understanding that in return they will assist
with wildfire in the unprotected areas.
4.1 Usage
County Apparatus that has been assigned to participating agencies is at the full disposal of
the agency and may be used for incidents outside of wildfires in unprotected areas. The
expectation is that when Gallatin County Rural Fire has a wildfire occur in an unprotected
area, that participating agencies will respond within their ability.
4.2 Maintenance
County Apparatus is owned by Gallatin County and, as such, the County will support the
maintenance of that equipment. Participating agencies are responsible for performing
routine vehicle checks of apparatus assigned to them. Participating agencies are also
responsible for routine fuel costs as they are using the apparatus for their needs.
Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, should be incorporated into the participating
agency’s normal process used for their own equipment. The costs incurred for the
maintenance of County Apparatus should be forwarded to the Chief of EM & Fire for
reimbursement. It is expected that actual costs for the maintenance supplies will be
submitted (For example, cost of oil used, cost billed by oil change facility, cost of air
filters, etc…). Personnel costs incurred for man hours spent on activities related to
County Apparatus are not reimbursable. Reimbursement requests must be submitted
within 3 months of the work, or they may not be reimbursed. This is viewed as part of the
participating agency’s contribution in exchange for the use of the County Apparatus for
their own uses.
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Major repairs in excess or $250, or anything in question, must be coordinated with the
County Chief of EM & Fire before any costs are incurred.
4.3 Insurance
Insurance for County Apparatus is carried by Gallatin County. Personnel responding on
these apparatus shall follow their fire department’s fleet safety program. The
department’s fleet safety program must reasonably meet Gallatin County’s requirements.
All personnel must be covered by workers compensation insurance through their fire
protection agency.
4.4 Personnel Qualifications
By accepting assignment of a County Apparatus, the participating agency is agreeing that
the personnel that will be operating that apparatus are properly trained on the apparatus
and qualified for their position in accordance with recognized standards (PMS 310-1) and
laws.
4.5 Outfitting
All County Apparatus is outfitted with a standard complement of equipment when assigned
to the participating agency. The participating agency can add or remove equipment to
meet an apparatus configuration that meets their needs. When County Apparatus is
returned to the County from a participating agency that apparatus must be equipped
identically to how it was issued.
County Apparatus in the form of engines will be outfitted, as a minimum, according to the
current Northern Rockies Supplement to Chapter 20 of the Interagency Incident Business
Management Handbook. County apparatus will also be equipped with a mobile radio and
emergency warning package.
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5 Co-op Engine
Co-op engines are owned by the State of Montana and are issued to Gallatin County for
assignment among fire agencies in the county. The Chief of EM & Fire will distribute
these engines to participating agencies throughout the county.
5.1 Usage
Co-op engines that have been assigned to participating agencies are at the full disposal of
the agency and may be used for incidents outside of wildfires in unprotected areas. The
expectation is that when Gallatin County Rural Fire has a wildfire occur in an unprotected
area, that participating agencies will respond within their ability.
5.2 Maintenance
Co-op engines are owned by the State of Montana and, as such, the State and County will
support the maintenance of that equipment. Participating agencies are responsible for
performing routine vehicle checks of apparatus assigned to them. Participating agencies
are also responsible for routine fuel costs as they are using the apparatus for their needs.
Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, should be incorporated into the participating
agency’s normal process used for their own equipment. The costs incurred for the
maintenance of co-op engines should be forwarded to the Chief of EM & Fire for
reimbursement. Gallatin County will cover routine maintenance items. It is expected that
actual costs for the maintenance supplies will be submitted (For example, cost of oil used,
cost billed by oil change facility, cost of air filters, etc…). Personnel costs incurred for
man hours spent on activities related to co-op engines are not reimbursable.
Reimbursement requests must be submitted within 3 months of the work, or they may not
be reimbursed. This is viewed as part of the participating agency’s contribution in
exchange for the use of the co-op engine for their own uses.
Major repairs exceeding $250, or anything in question, must be coordinated with the
County Chief of EM & Fire before costs are incurred. The County Chief of EM & Fire will
coordinate with the MT DNRC on how they want to handle the repair. In most situations,
DNRC’s in-house mechanics will make the repair.
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5.3 Insurance
Insurance for co-op engines is covered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation through the Cooperative Fire Control Agreement with Gallatin County.
Personnel responding on these apparatus are considered to be responding as mutual aid and
are covered through their fire protection agency’s insurance including workers
compensation.
5.4 Personnel Qualifications
By accepting assignment of a co-op engine, the participating agency is agreeing that the
personnel that will be operating the engine are properly trained on the apparatus and
qualified for their position in accordance with recognized standards (PMS 310-1) and laws.
5.5 Outfitting
Co-op engines are outfitted with a standard complement of equipment when assigned to
the participating agency. The participating agency can add or remove equipment to meet
an apparatus configuration that meets their needs. When a co-op engine is returned from
a participating agency to the county, that apparatus must be equipped identically to how it
was issued.
DNRC Co-op engines will be outfitted, as a minimum, according to the current Northern
Rockies Supplement to Chapter 20 of the Interagency Incident Business Management
Handbook. The addition of radios and emergency warning equipment is typically the
responsibility of the participating agency.
6 DNRC Hybrid Apparatus
Hybrid apparatus are jointly built between the MT DNRC and a local fire agency. Typically
the chassis is owned by the fire agency and the water handling equipment and supplies are
owned by DNRC.
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6.1 Useage
Since the local fire agency owns the chassis, hybrid apparatus are not allocated by the
Chief of EM & Fire. Use of this apparatus is at the sole discretion of the local fire
agency.
6.2 Maintenance
Due to the joint ownership, the local fire agency is responsible for all operational and
repair costs associated with the chassis.
While the water handling equipment is assigned by DNRC to Gallatin County through the
Cooperative Equipment Agreement, hybrid apparatus are not considered part of Gallatin
County’s fleet. The local fire agency is responsible for operational and maintenance costs
of the water handling equipment and supplies. Gallatin County may be able to assist in
some situations.
Major repairs, or anything in question, must be coordinated with the County Chief of EM &
Fire. The County Chief of EM & Fire will coordinate with the MT DNRC on how they want
to handle the repair. In most situations, DNRC’s in-house mechanics will make the repair.
6.3 Insurance
Insurance for hybrid apparatus is the responsibility of the local fire protection agency.
Personnel responding on these apparatus are covered through their fire protection
agency’s insurance including workers compensation.
6.4 Personnel Qualifications
By accepting assignment of a hybrid apparatus, the participating agency is agreeing that
the personnel that will be operating the engine are properly trained on the apparatus and
qualified for their position in accordance with recognized standards (PMS 310-1) and laws.
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6.5 Outfitting
Hybrid apparatus are outfitted with a standard complement of equipment when received
from MT DNRC. The participating agency can add or remove equipment to meet an
apparatus configuration that meets their needs.
Hybrid apparatus will be outfitted, as a minimum, according to MT DRNC standard
configuration.
All radio communications equipment and emergency warning equipment is the responsibility
of the participating fire protection agency.
February 4, 2020 Page 17 of 29
7 County Assist
A “County Assist” is a process in which a coop county (i.e. Gallatin County) can request
assistance from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for a
wildfire that has exceeded the county’s ability to manage. This is not a statutory program,
but an internal process within DNRC. A key factor in this process is determining if the
county is fully committed to the incident. Level of commitment is not a set level, but an
agreed upon level between the county and the DNRC Line Officer. This is often measured
by the county’s financial and resource commitment to the incident.
When this situation occurs, a request is made to the DNRC by Gallatin County for a county
assist outlining what our needs are. This then enables the DNRC to deploy resources and
financial assistance to the incident. A county assist requires a formal request to DNRC
from the Gallatin County Commission within 48 hours. Specific information on the county
assist process is contained in the Annex F of the Gallatin County Emergency Management
Plan.
8 Mutual Aid
Gallatin County Rural Fire is a signatory to the Gallatin County Mutual Aid Agreement, and
is allowed by state statute to request mutual aid without a formal agreement. Gallatin
County Rural Fire may request assistance from agencies for non-County Apparatus and co-
op engines for use in suppression of wildfires in unprotected areas. Gallatin County Rural
Fire resources are also available upon request for mutual aid in support of another agency’s
incidents.
Agencies in Gallatin County wishing to use Gallatin County Rural Fire resources through
mutual aid must include these resources (through the agency hosting the resource) in their
deployment plan through 911.
A common mutual aid partner with Gallatin County is the Montana Department of Natural
Resources (usually aviation resources). Mutual Aid can be requested and granted by DNRC
without the need of meeting the requirements of a county assist.
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Gallatin County is a signatory of the South Central Zone Operating Plan between Gallatin
and Park Counties, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, and Montana
DNRC. This agreement gives the county access to federal wildfire resources in the area
and the region.
February 4, 2020 Page 19 of 29
9 Fire Warden
The County Fire Warden is appointed by name by the Gallatin County Commission. The Fire
Warden is responsible for carrying out the duties outlined in this plan that consist of the
County Rural Fire Chief functions as outlined in the Montana Code Annotated and the
County Fire Warden functions as outlined in the Montana DNRC Cooperative Fire Control
Agreement. The Gallatin County Chief of Emergency Management and Fire has named
responsibility for both these roles.
The Chief of EM & Fire is authorized to represent Gallatin County as its Line Officer on
matters within the scope of this plan. The Chief of EM & Fire may appoint Deputy Fire
Wardens and delegate authority to them as he or she sees fit.
9.1 Deputy Fire Wardens
Deputy Fire Wardens are agents of the Gallatin County Chief of EM & Fire as necessary
and have had specific authorities delegated to them. The Deputy Fire Wardens will
primarily serve as representatives of the County at meetings or training, serve in
leadership positions at wildfires, or provide support to county apparatus and co-op engines.
Deputy Fire Wardens are identified by the Gallatin Chief of EM & Fire (with delegated
authority for the Gallatin County Commission) and provided delegated authority to fulfill
the duties outlined by this plan. Usually Deputy Fire Wardens are identified ahead of
time, however certain situations may necessitate temporary authorization by the Chief of
EM & Fire.
When functioning as a Deputy Fire Warden, if the person is not functioning as an employee
of a fire protection agency, then the person is considered a volunteer for Gallatin County
and thus covered by workers compensation and liability insurance but they will not receive
wages. The normal circumstances where insurance coverage for volunteer Deputy Fire
Wardens are: fire incidents, training approved by the County Chief of EM & Fire, and
during meetings requested by the County Chief of EM & Fire.
Use of Deputy Fire Wardens’ personal vehicles will be paid current Interagency Incident
Business Handbook rate to the vehicle’s owner.
February 4, 2020 Page 20 of 29
10 Fire Control Ordinance
The Chief of Emergency Management and Fire is responsible for administration of the
Open Burning Permit system on behalf of the local fire protection agencies in accordance
with regulations adopted under County Ordinance. Each fire protection agency in Gallatin
County has certain responsibility for enforcement and approval of burning in their district.
Gallatin County has contracted with Fluent IMS to provide an online burn permit system
located at gallatinburnpermits.com. This system allows individuals to purchase and
activate burn permits themselves (permits may also be purchased in person at several
locations in the county). Authorized users are able to view current burn activity as well as
close open burning. County regulations allow the prohibition of burning for certain parts of
the County. It is strongly suggested that agencies in adjacent geographic areas act in
unison to avoid confusion with the public.
When a Burn Ban is deemed necessary by a fire chief in Gallatin County, a request to the
Chief of Emergency Management and Fire will be made to coordinate the request. The
Chief of EM & Fire, or designee, will facilitate a conference call between all available fire
protection agencies to discuss the request. If the consensus of the participating fire
chiefs is to cease burning activity, the Chief of EM & Fire will request the County
Commission to consider implementing a Burn Ban in accordance with the ordinance.
Burn permit fees are collected in the Fire Control Fund for two purposes. First, all costs
of operation and administration the program are covered out of this fund. Second,
remaining money is used to fund fire training for firefighters within Gallatin County.
Agencies selling burn permits in person (collecting cash or check) are entitled to retain
60% of the burn permit fee as a processing fee. The other 40% will be submitted to the
Gallatin County Treasurer for deposit into the Fire Control Fund. Burn permits sold online
have 100% of the cost deposited into the Fire Control Fund.
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10.1 Training Funds
Funding in the Fire Control Fund beyond what is needed to run the program will be used to
support training for fire departments in Gallatin County. The training funds will primarily
be used to help support bringing training classes into the county and to pay tuition for
firefighters to attend classes. Agencies wishing to use these funds must submit a request
in writing to the Gallatin County Chief of EM & Fire that outlines the training opportunity,
who will be attending, and the cost.
Costs for approved training shall be paid for by the individual being trained or their
agency. Upon completion of the training, proof of attendance and submittal of
documentation (e.g. invoices, claims and vouchers) must be submitted to the County Chief
of EM & Fire. Gallatin County may then reimburse the costs by check.
February 4, 2020 Page 22 of 29
11 Firefighter Insurance
Gallatin County maintains certain insurance for firefighters in the county as part of the
county’s contribution to this program. Benefits are provided in excess of worker’s
compensation for active firefighters in the county as follows:
Supplemental Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Catastrophic Loss Benefit
Principal Sum: $25,000.00
Accidental Medical Expense Benefit Maximum Benefit Amount: $10,000.00
Deductible Amount: $0.00
Heart or Circulatory Malfunction Benefit
(death)
Principal Sum: $25,000.00
Accelerated Benefit (Living Benefit) Maximum Benefit Amount: $12,500.00
February 4, 2020 Page 23 of 29
12 Incident Deployment
Gallatin County Rural Fire responds to incidents in unprotected areas using a combination
of Gallatin County resources, DNRC co-op engines, and mutual aid resources, the
deployment of which has been established to make efficient use of those resources based
on location.
12.1 Deputy Fire Wardens
Deputy Fire Wardens are automatically dispatched on all incidents. Deputy Fire Wardens
will coordinate amongst themselves regarding which Deputy Fire Warden will respond.
Once a Deputy Fire Warden is committed as responding to the incident, they will notify
dispatch that they are responding in this capacity.
12.2 Incident Accountability
The County Rural Fire deployment plan is designed to provide management personnel from
the closest fire agencies as well as Deputy Fire Wardens for incidents. The intent for
wildfires in unprotected areas is to have the first arriving management personnel establish
and assume incident command (IC) of the incident. If the first arriving IC is not a Deputy
Fire Warden, it is expected that the IC will continue to manage the incident until a Deputy
Fire Warden can get to the scene to assume command. This is to ensure efficient
coordination of resources and the safety of both responders and the public. It is not
mandatory for a Fire Warden to assume command if it is deemed more appropriate for
someone else to assume that role.
12.3 Incident Expenses
Costs incurred by agencies responding to a Gallatin County Rural Fire incident will be
covered in accordance with the Gallatin County Mutual Aid Agreement. Typically costs
(personnel, equipment rates, etc…) during the initial operational period will be considered
mutual aid. Operations after the first operational period are eligible for reimbursement
from the County. In accordance with the Gallatin County Emergency Management Plan and
the Gallatin County Mutual Aid Agreement, rates will be based on the Interagency
February 4, 2020 Page 24 of 29
Incident Business Handbook (a.k.a. DNRC Rates) using the Northern Rockies supplements.
Agencies requesting reimbursement for paid employees will be reimbursed at each
employee’s expended rate including benefits. County Apparatus and co-op engines are not
eligible for reimbursement for the equipment, but personnel are.
Damages that occur at any point in the incident will be reimbursed (for non-county or
state resources) in accordance with the Gallatin County Mutual Aid Agreement. During the
first operational period while under mutual aid (not in a pay status), Gallatin County will
reimburse up to $1000 per agency per incident for incident caused damage (this may be
superseded by other agreements). Any damage incurred on an incident should be reported
to, and coordinated with, the Gallatin Chief of EM & Fire.
Fuel and reasonable welfare items for resources responding to a Gallatin County Rural Fire
incident will be provided (all types of resources).
Agencies may choose not to be reimbursed for any of the items listed in this section.
12.4 Response Plan Areas
Spanish Creek North of Spanish Peaks area of Gallatin National Forest,
South of Axtell Anceney Road, East of Madison County Line
(Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest), West of US 191.
Basically the West side of the Flying D Ranch North to Axtell
Anceney Road.
Norris Norris road along the river.
West Madison River North of Blacks Ford Fishing Access and West of the Madison
River. Runs North to Willow Creek and Three Forks Fire
Districts.
Horseshoe North of Gallatin River, South of Broadwater County, East of
Missouri River, West of Horsehoe Hills. Basically the areas
accessed through Clarkston, Horseshoe Cottonwood Road,
etc…
February 4, 2020 Page 25 of 29
Maudlow North of Gallatin River and Central Valley Fire District, South
of Broadwater County, East of Horseshoe Hills, West of
Bridger Range of Gallatin National Forest. Basically the area
accessed from Dry Creek Road and assorted spurs.
Sedan North of Sedan Fire District, South of Meagher County Line,
East of Gallatin National Forest, West of Park County Line.
Basically the area North of Sedan along the East end of 16
Mile.
Bozeman Islands of unprotected within the City of Bozeman. Primarily
off of Griffin and Bridger Drives.
February 4, 2020 Page 26 of 29
Spanish Creek Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Gallatin Gateway Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Amsterdam Fire 1 wildland
Central Valley Fire 1 wildland
Hyalite Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
Norris Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Amsterdam Fire 1 wildland
Gallatin Gateway Fire 1 wildland, 1 Management Staff
Central Valley Fire 1 wildland
Hyalite Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
West Madison River Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Amsterdam Fire 1 wildland
Gallatin Gateway Fire 1 wildland, 1 Management Staff
Three Forks Fire 1 wildland
Willow Creek Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
Horseshoe Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Clarkston Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Manhattan Fire 1 wildland
Three Forks Fire 1 wildland
Gallatin River Ranch 1 tender
Central Valley 1 management staff
February 4, 2020 Page 27 of 29
Sedan Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Bridger Canyon Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Fort Ellis Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Sedan Fire 1 wildland
Hyalite Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
Bozeman Fire 1 wildland
Bozeman Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Bozeman Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Central Valley Fire 1 wildland
Fort Ellis Fire 1 wildland
Hyalite Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
Maudlow Response Area
Initial Dispatch
County Rural Fire Fire Wardens
Manhattan Fire 1 wildland
Central Valley Fire 1 wildland, 1 management staff
Bozeman Fire 1 wildland
Hyalite Fire 1 tender, 1 management staff
February 4, 2020 Page 29 of 29
13 Agreement of Participation
As a signatory to the 2020 version of the Gallatin County Rural Fire Protection Operating
Plan, ________________________________________ is certifying that it agrees to
the conditions and responsibilities outlined in this plan. Participating Agencies that have
Gallatin County or DNRC resources assigned to them are agreeing to the respective
responsibilities for the Participating Agencies and Gallatin County as outlined in this plan.
6 months notice must be given to Gallatin County by a Participating Agency that no longer
wishes to participate in this program, and return assigned resources. If Gallatin County
chooses to reallocate assigned resources, 6 months notice will be given to the Participating
Agency. Changes in participation and resource allocation may be made sooner than 6
months if mutually agreed upon by both parties.
Chief Elected Official Name
Title
Chief Elected Official Signature
Date
Fire Chief Name
Fire Chief Signature
Date
Agency Name