West Valley Fire Rescue

05/28/2026

Last night at approximately midnight, West Valley Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire. First arriving crews encountered heavy fire conditions and quickly requested mutual aid from surrounding fire departments.

Unfortunately, the property was a complete loss. Thankfully, there were no injuries and everyone was safely out of the home before crews arrived. Firefighters remain on scene this morning monitoring the area and mopping up remaining hot spots.

A huge thank you to Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, East Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Montana City Volunteer Fire Department, Clancy Volunteer Fire Department, Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department, Marysville Volunteer Fire Department, Helena Fire Department, VA Fire Department, Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office, and NorthWestern Energy for responding and helping bring the incident safely under control.

05/24/2026

West Valley Fire Rescue Incident Update

Today, West Valley Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire in the North Valley. A detached shop was fully involved when the first units arrived on scene.

Crews were also faced with an additional hazard when a 125-gallon propane tank vented as designed but became stuck open, creating increased risk for firefighters operating nearby.

We would like to thank Montana Propane, NorthWestern Energy gas and electric crews, the City of Helena Fire Department, VA Fire Department, East Valley Fire Department, Tri-Lakes Fire Department, and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and teamwork throughout the incident.

We even had the opportunity to pull retired Chief Shepherd out of retirement for a bit to hook up to the hydrant and run an engine pump until enough firefighters arrived on scene to take over. Thanks Shep!

Thankfully, no one was injured. The detached shop was a complete loss, but Montana Propane helped facilitate moving the propane tank to a remote location where it could be safely emptied and secured.

Incidents like this are a reminder of the value of strong partnerships and mutual aid. Thank you to all of the firefighters, deputies, utility crews, and support personnel who responded and worked together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

🚒🤝🔥

05/11/2026

A group of about a dozen WV FFs are upping their game by learning some fairly complicated rope rescue systems to enhance our low/ steep angle rescue operations. Under the leadership of Adam Barnhart they have been educated in the use of the newest equipment for lowering a load and/or raising a load with a mechanical advantage. These dedicated FFs have added another weekly night to their schedule to accomplish this.

05/07/2026

The month of April kept crews at West Valley Fire Rescue busy, responding to 93 total incidents across the district.

By the numbers:

• 61 medical calls
• 4 motor vehicle crashes
• 10 fire calls
• 8 smoke investigations
• 7 hazard/service calls
• 3 false alarms

Every one of these calls is answered by dedicated volunteers willing to leave work, family time, and sleep behind to serve this community. We appreciate all of them and the continued support from the people we’re proud to protect.

04/29/2026

Last night was a great reminder of what makes the fire service strong. 🚒

We had the opportunity to train alongside Tri-Lakes VFD and East Valley Fire Department, bringing crews and equipment together for a hands-on training exercise out in the field.

From pump operations to apparatus capabilities, it wasn’t just about running drills—it was about learning how each department operates, what tools we all bring to the table, and building those relationships that matter when the tones drop for real.

There’s a lot of value in getting to know the people behind the gear. When we train together, we respond better together. 🤝

Appreciate everyone who took the time to come out, put in the work, and continue sharpening their skills.

Stronger together. Better prepared. Always ready. 🔥

04/15/2026

The first three months of the year are in the books for West Valley Fire Rescue, and it’s been nothing short of busy.

📊 By the numbers:
🚑 184 medical calls
🔥 27 fire calls
🚨 72 other incidents
🤝 Assisted neighboring departments 9 times
📞 Called for mutual aid 2 times

➡️ Total responses: 283
➡️ That’s over 3 calls per day, every day.

Behind every one of these calls is a group of dedicated volunteers who drop what they’re doing—whether that’s time with family, sleep in the middle of the night, or a full day at their regular jobs—to answer the call.

And it doesn’t stop there.

They train. They prepare. They show up—again and again—ready for whatever comes next.

Not for recognition. Not for credit.
But because their community might need them.

We’re proud of this team. We’re proud of the commitment. And we’re proud to stand beside people who are always willing to answer the call.

💪 This is dedication.
💙 This is your West Valley Fire Rescue.

04/13/2026

🚒 We want to hear from YOU! 🚒

What are you interested in seeing from West Valley Fire Rescue?

Want a closer look inside the fire station—or a tour of the trucks? We just introduced our newest one 👀🔥 Want to see the rest?

How about a recap of our first 3 months—it’s already shaping up to be a busy year for us.

Whatever it is, we want to know what YOU want to hear about. Drop your ideas in the comments ⬇️

04/08/2026

🚨 Heads up, Greater Helena area! 🌲🔥

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will be conducting a **prescribed burn in the Grizzly Gulch area on April 9–10**. You’ll likely see smoke (and possibly flames), which may be very visible around town 👀

This is a planned, controlled burn—no need for alarm—but you may notice smoky conditions in and around the area 🌫️

Please help spread the word so folks don’t mistake it for a wildfire! 🙌

Prescribed burn notice -

The Forest Service is planning a 330-acre prescribed burn two miles southwest of Helena off of Grizzly Gulch road on Thursday, April 9. The burn may extend into Friday, April 10 depending on conditions.

The Mini-Horse prescribed burn will incorporate lands between Show-Me-the-Horse Trail and Mini Ridge Trail systems. Trail users should choose alternative routes during burn operations on Thursday/Friday.

Please drive slow on Grizzly Gulch Road during this time period as fire personnel will be accessing the site along this road and visibility may be reduced. Residents and visitors in Helena may see/smell smoke during this window into the weekend.

Visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-helenalewis-and-clark-nf-rx-fires/prescribed-burn-planned-for-thursday-april-9-and-friday-april-10-2026-04-06-2026 for more information on planned operations.

Visit: https://www.lccountymt.gov/Government/Public-Health/Environmental-Health/Air-Quality-in-the-Helena-Valley for community smoke resources.

04/07/2026

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend 🐣

We kicked ours off with a rollover on I-15, but finished strong hosting our 65th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Masonic Home. Over 3,000 eggs and a whole lot of smiling kids — that’s what it’s all about.

Now we’re gearing up for another round of wind on Tuesday… and yeah, we’re all a little tired of the “W” word too.

Please be careful if you’re out and about:
• Stay clear of any downed power lines
• Double check those debris burns
• Keep an eye on changing conditions

Let’s keep everyone safe and avoid any unexpected visits from us 🚒

Here’s to calmer days ahead… hopefully sooner rather than later.