Glacier County Office of Emergency Management

08/28/2025

The GCOEM conducts UAS Search and Rescue Operations on Cut Bank Creek. See Press Release:

07/23/2024

Good day everyone! ***STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT*** and Northwestern Energy entering Public Safety Power Shutoff Monitoring for much of Montana (see NWE link below)

The Glacier County Commissioners passed a resolution today enacting Stage I Fire Restrictions for Glacier County. The following are prohibited under Stage I Restrictions:

1. Open burning; and
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. This includes charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves and also prohibits use in developed camping and picnic areas. Exceptions allow for use of grilling devices if used on a deck or cement area greater then 6ft by 6ft; and
3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, or inside a building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.; and

Exemptions are:

1. Exemptions will be made for the following industries and workers but must maintain proper fire extinguisher apparatus or water truck capabilities: Agriculture, Energy and any Emergency personnel.
2. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding materials within three feet of the device.
3. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice by the controlling authority.
4. All land within an incorporated city or town is exempted.

Of course, in the case of overlapping jurisdictions, the more restrictive restriction takes precedence.

Northwestern Energy Announcement: https://www.northwesternenergy.com/safety/wildfire-safety/public-safety-power-shutoff #

Stay Safe!

06/25/2024

Glacier County has had a bunch of grass fires this past weekend, most of them attributed to fireworks. GCOEM and all the local Fire Departments want everyone to have a safe 4th and a safe time leading up to the 4th. Just remember, fireworks and wind do not mix. Like my grandma used to say, "If the wind is a blowin', don't have fireworks a goin'." Haha, I'm sure, she never said that. But seriously, if the wind is really blowing out there, probably shouldn't go blasting off a barrage of mortars and star clusters. Just a little PSA. Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Be Safe!

06/18/2024

A GCOEM sUAS pilot was deployed to the scene of the catastrophic failure of the St. Mary Canal siphon. An overflight was conducted to assess the damage. Here is a small portion of the flight video we obtained. Upon initial deployment, our main focus was life safety and making sure there were no individuals in distress. Once the scene was secured, GCOEM, with the assistance of Blackfeet Homeland Security/DES conducted flights surveying the area for individuals in distress; finding none, this overflight of the siphon was made. Stay Safe!

06/18/2024

There has been a catastrophic failure of a canal siphon near Hook's Hideaway north of Babb. The public is being asked to stay out of the area. GCOEM is assisting our Tribal, State, and Federal partners in managing this incident. Stay safe!

05/30/2024

Fire season is fast approaching. A winter with relatively low precipitation and future hot weather coupled with an abundance of fuels makes for upcoming tinderbox conditions. Now is the time to clear around structures and remove sources of fuels from properties. Check out this website for further information on fire risk in Montana and Glacier County. Stay safe!

NOW AVAILABLE! New and improved wildfire risk data. Need information about grants and funding? Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest...

04/03/2024

Glacier County recently partnered with OnSolve to roll out emergency alerts through Code RED. These alerts will be for notifications in major emergencies or disasters. To receive emergency alerts from Glacier County you will need to sign up by:

Texting "Glacier" to 24639

or

Visiting https://accountportal.onsolve.net/glacier to register.

10/18/2023

It is going to get cold next week. the NWS says first widespread snow of the season is coming. Get out those winter coats and mucks! Stay Safe!

09/20/2023

We got a little bit of weather headed our way. See the release from the National Weather Service below. Stay Safe!

09/12/2023

***STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS RESCINDED***

Effective 9:30 a.m. today staged fire restrictions for Glacier County have been removed by the Glacier County Commission. Citizens and visitors should note there are still dry fuels about the county and any burning or campfires should be done with prudence. Those wishing to conduct a control burn should contact Glacier County Sheriff Dispatch at (406) 873-2711 and/or Blackfeet Fire Management prior to starting their burn.

Stay Safe!

08/29/2023

Looks like we have some wind coming. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for our area from 6 a.m. tomorrow until noon on Thursday. Stay Safe!

***

High Wind Warning
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
213 PM MDT Tue Aug 29 2023

Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern High Plains-Including the cities of Browning, Heart Butte, Dupuyer, Cut Bank,Ethridge, Santa Rita, Bynum, Choteau, and Pendroy. 213 PM MDT Tue Aug 29 2023
..HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM WEDNESDAY TO NOON MDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Westerly winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* WHERE...Rocky Mountain Front and High Plains.

* WHEN...6 AM Wednesday to noon Thursday.

* IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris and unsecured items. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.

08/29/2023

Upgraded 1040 AM: SPC's latest thunderstorm risk potential for today upgraded portions of Southwest Montana to SLIGHT risk and expanded coverage of the MARGINAL risk eastward, and non-severe thunderstorms for the remainder of the CWA.

530 AM: Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms have potential (50 to 75%) to develop late afternoon and this evening. Some storms could be on the strong side with gusty winds greater than 50 mph, small sized hail, and brief heavy downpours in addition to lightning. Keep an eye on the sky and have multiple ways to receive warnings. ⛈