Harlem Volunteer Fire Department

07/23/2021

Our thoughts go out to the injured firefighters.

Please everyone keep in mind tragedies involving firefighters killed and injured is NOT restricted to large forest fires. It can happen on any small blaze with a wind shift.

Keep all the states firefighters in your hearts and minds this fire season

For Immediate Release – July 23, 2021
Contact: Mark Jacobsen, 406-233-2831, [email protected]

Firefighters injured by Garfield County wildfire

(MILES CITY, Mont.) – Federal firefighters were injured when a sudden wind shift blew the wildfire back over their position as they were constructing a defensive fire line on the perimeter of the Devils Creek Fire in Garfield County, July 22.

The five injured firefighters were members of federal crews called in to assist Bureau of Land Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Garfield County and local resources already on scene.

The firefighters were evacuated and are currently undergoing further medical evaluation to determine the extent of their injuries.

Numerous wind shifts and rapid rates of spread resulted in erratic fire behavior as thunderstorms and associated cells were passing over the area when the incident occurred.

The lightning-caused wildfire is burning in rough, steep terrain and is located near the Pine Grove School, about 36 miles northwest of Jordan, and east of the Devils Creek Road which accesses the south shore of Fort Peck Reservoir.

Personnel on site continue to fight the blaze, which as of the most recent mapping, has burned roughly 375 acres of BLM and private land.

Additional information and updates on the incident will be made available as safety investigations determine the factual details.

– BLM –

07/02/2021

Blaine County Residents:
A burn ban is effect until further notice. This means no open burning, this does not include campfires.

07/01/2021

Very very dry with exceptionally harsh conditions. Please be safe and fire conscious.

>>A Red Flag Warning is in effect for portions of Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, and Fergus counties through 9 PM MDT Friday.

>> A combination of hot, dry, and gusty conditions will make rapid fire growth possible.

>> The majority of fires start from human causes, so please, do your part in preventing new fire starts! Extinguish campfires, make sure trailer chains are not dragging, obey local burn bans, etc..

06/30/2021

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, and Fergus counties from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. A combination of hot, dry, and gusty conditions will create a scenario in which high fire growth will be possible. Please do your part in preventing new fire starts. Extinguish campfires, make sure trailer chains are not dragging, obey local burn bans, etc..

06/22/2021

A grim perspective on the outlook for the year. Harlem VFDs coverage area has been extraordinarily lucky the last number of severe fire years.

Please everyone so your part to prevent fire, report fires and fire safe your property.

We know that Stage I Restrictions are going to have an impact on fireworks and 4th of July festivities, but please take a look at this startling data for Eastern Montana. The fire season has barely begun and we have already esclipsed some of our most active years. This is a serious indication of current conditions. 😔 Help each other be as fire wise as possible this summer.

06/14/2021

The high temperatures and winds have already dehydrated much of the fuels such as grass and light brush in our coverage area. Please use caution in these next few days and be fire aware and report fires as soon as possible.

Be Fire Danger Aware!!

The next 2 days will be extremely hot and dry! Please make smart choices...it only takes one spark!

09/11/2020

On this somber day we remember all of those lost in the tragic attacks on our nation. We ask everyone to remember them not only on this day, but every day of your lives.

Remember the innocent civilians lost, the first responders who went into Hell on Earth to save and protect. And remember the heroes of Flight 93, who saved unknown hundreds or thousands more people.

And in these current difficult times, remember the compassion for your neighbors, and good will towards all.

09/05/2020

Friday, September 4 HVFD responded to a Haybale on fire west of Harlem with two brush trucks and four members. 

On Wednesday HVFD responded to assist Hogeland and Turner fire departments with a water tender and one structure truck and three personnel

07/03/2020

5:05PM Wednesday Harlem Fire was paged to a structure fire at Savoy. HVFD responded with seven members, two Brush Trucks, County Engine and Water Tender to a garage on fire. Chinook Fire and Fort Belknap responded with multiple trucks.

Fire was contained and extinguished by 8:30 with interior salvageable.

We want to thank all HVFD members for their work and we also want to thank Chinook Volunteer Fire Department for their response and Fort Belknap for their assistance.

06/14/2020

DNRC can be a big help to small rural departments. A good example of partnerships between volunteers and the state.