Former Commissioner Andy Shirtliff

04/18/2026

A long time coming. Congratulations, Helena Fire Department and the Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448.

Helena will pay 30+ union firefighters $900,000 in total backpay to settle a conflict between the union and city after an arbitrator determined Helena’s new wage system provided inadequate compensation.

03/15/2026

When firefighters call a Mayday, the fire service answers.

Montana’s own Captain Mike McDaniel (Helena Fire Department – IAFF Local 448) and his family are facing an incredibly difficult time after losing their home in a devastating fire.

Over the past year, Captain McDaniel has already endured significant challenges, including recovering from serious injuries from an on-duty explosion and undergoing a kidney transplant. Now his family is working to rebuild after this latest loss.

The Yard Foundation has launched a Mayday campaign to help support the McDaniel family as they recover and move forward.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this campaign. The fire service takes care of its own.

🔗 https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/mcdaniel

03/14/2026

Montana’s Mike McDaniel, a Captain with the Helena Fire Department (L448) for the past 20 years, lost his home in a devastating fire on March 12, 2026. Over the past year, Mike and his family have already faced significant challenges. He recently underwent a kidney transplant and is still recoveri...

03/12/2026

Thankful everyone got out ok. Please consider helping one of Helena’s Bravest and their family who lost their home to a fire today.

Helena Fire Department

Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448

Montana’s Mike McDaniel, a Captain with the Helena Fire Department (L448) for the past 20 years, lost his home in a devastating fire on March 12, 2026. Over the past year, Mike and his family have already faced significant challenges. He recently underwent a kidney transplant and is still recoveri...

12/28/2025

Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448

Join us on January 12th at Copper Furrow brewing for a pint night! Helena Firefighter are raising money!

Every pint purchased donates $1 to the Firefighter Stair Climb which helps find treatments for Leukemia and other blood cancers.

Come out for a fun night of trivia and drinking for a good cause!!

Or donate online

Everything helps!

https://pages.lls.org/events/wa/firefighterstairclimb26/HelenaFireDepartment

12/26/2025

Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448

Helena Firefighters are participating in 2026 Seattle Stair Climb. All money raised goes to Bloor Cancer United to help find new treatments and cures.

If you would like to help please visit our donation page: everything helps!!

https://events.lls.org/pages/wa/firefighterstairclimb26/HelenaFireDepartment

12/25/2025

Thank you to Helena’s Bravest and Finest!

Lewis and Clark County / City of Helena 911 Center
Helena Montana Police Department
Helena Fire Department
Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448

While many of us spend the holiday opening gifts and sharing Christmas dinner, others are giving up time with their loved ones to keep our community healthy and safe.

12/24/2025

Helena Montana Police Department

12/24/2025

For the last three years, it has been a true honor to join our Helena Police Department, Helena Fire Department, and City of Helena, staff in this annual Christmas tradition of delivering gifts and a little extra joy to Helena’s families this holiday season.

Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448

12/23/2025

Thank you, Commissioner Melinda Reed! It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you to serve our community. Keep up the good fight!

Thank you Andy Shirtliff for Montana for your service. It's been a true honor serving on the commission with you. Thank you for raising the bar on public outreach, engagement, and showing up for our community. You will be missed.

12/19/2025

Lewis and Clark County Emergency Management

Tri-County COAD

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services

Shelter Open:

If you are without power and need a place to go for the night, a shelter has been opened at 2210 Dodge Ave, Echo Church. Please use the North entrance off of Elm Street.

Power is being restored across the area, but we are aware of properties that are still without power.

Call the phone number on the door if you need assistance and someone will help you.