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Heron Rural Fire District

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Heron, MT
Heron Rural Fire District

A dedicated team of local volunteers to provide fire protection and safety for the residents of Heron

04/04/2026

Training Under Fire: Mastering the Science of the Burn

Today, our team is on-site for a high-intensity, live-fire training exercise. While the flames are impressive, the real work is happening behind the mask.

The Science Behind the Smoke

This evolution allows our firefighters to study fire dynamics in a real-world setting. Training presents unique challenges, including rapid heat release rates and specific structural vulnerabilities. Our crew is focusing on:

Fire Behavior & Science: Observing flow paths, thermal layering, and the indicators of impending flashover.

Structural Integrity: Analyzing how modern materials react under extreme temperatures to better predict collapse hazards.

Tactical Ventilation: Practicing precise entry and ventilation techniques to control the environment and improve victim survivability.

Nozzle Techniques: Refining water application methods to achieve maximum cooling with efficiency.

Commitment to the Community

Controlled burns like this are the most effective way to ensure that when a real emergency calls, our response is second nature. We aren’t just "putting the wet stuff on the red stuff"—we are honing our craft to be smarter, faster, and safer for the citizens we serve.

03/12/2026

Our crews are currently deployed across the district, working diligently to clear downed trees and debris from primary and secondary roadways. Our goal is to ensure that residents can safely travel to work and that emergency vehicles have unimpeded access throughout Heron.
Please be advised of the following hazards:
Widespread Power Outages: We are aware of significant outages across our service area.
Downed Power Lines: High winds have brought down lines in multiple locations. Always assume a downed line is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not approach or attempt to drive over them.
We are working in coordination with local utility companies to restore safety as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and stay safe, Heron!

12/24/2025

"Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." — Washington Irving.

As you gather around the tree, know that your local volunteers at Heron Rural Fire District are on standby, ready to protect the homes and families we love. This year, we ask that you give your family the best gift of all: Safety.

Water your tree daily to keep it from becoming a hazard.

Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

Turn off holiday lights when you leave the house.

May your holiday be filled with warmth, laughter, and peace. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

10/28/2025

Please join the core team of the Sanders County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) update in one of the upcoming public meetings. Your input is greatly valued during the update process. Please spread the word and share this post, the core team would really appreciate as much public comment as possible. So far meetings in Noxon and Thomspon Falls are set for November 4th & 5th respectively and meetings in Plains and Hot Springs are in the works.

For more information regarding the CWPP update please follow this link https://arcg.is/0iyz0S0 or the QR code on the attached image.

Stay Safe Sanders County

10/22/2025

🚨 Winter is Coming: Is Your Chimney Ready?🚨

The chill is in the air, and Burning Season is right around the corner! Before you cozy up with the first fires of the season, the Heron Rural Fire Department urges you to take two critical steps:

Clean Your Chimney: Creosote buildup is a major cause of chimney fires. Have a professional sweep and inspect your chimney and stovepipes.

Inspect Your Appliances: Check your wood-burning stoves and fireplaces for any cracks, damage, or blockages. Make sure all components are correctly vented and sealed.
A little prep now can prevent a disaster later. Let's keep our community safe and warm this winter!

10/18/2025

Come out and see us at the Heron Harvest today from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and support your local emergency services. We look forward to seeing you there!

09/04/2025

⚠️TEMPORARY ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURE-Ulm Fire Closure

A temporary closure surrounding the Ulm Creek Fire has been signed by both the Idaho Panhandle and the Kootenai National Forests.

The purpose of the closure is for public and firefighter safety due to an active wildfire and ongoing suppression activities.

The Gem Peak Lookout and Gem Peak Warming Hut on the Cabinet Ranger District are both now closed as they fall within the closure order area. All reservations for the lookout have been cancelled and anyone with future reservations has been or will be notified. For further questions, please call the Cabinet Ranger District at 406-827-3533.

Find the closure order here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts/ulm-creek-fire-closure

For Ulm Creek Fire updates: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/inciden.../idipf-ulm-creek-fire

U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests

09/03/2025

Ulm Creek Fire Update: The fire has grown to over 1000 acres and is primarily burning in the Ulm Creek fire scar from 2006. Initial attack efforts included district firefighters and engines, the Panhandle Hotshots, and aviation support. Due to unseasonably warm and dry weather, the fire has exceeded initial attack efforts with the largest growth to date occurring overnight on 9/1/2025. The USFS has informed me that a Type 3 Incident Management Team is being formed to organize additional resources. For further updates, please visit the Kootenai National Forest page and the Watch Duty app. They will post updates as things progress. Air and ground resources will continue until the Type 3 team is in place. Immediate efforts will include structure protection for the warming hut near Gem Peak and the upper section of Elk Creek in Heron. The area has been closed for firefighting efforts. Please avoid the area and be aware of additional fire traffic on the roads. Local departments from Heron, Noxon and Trout Creek will assist once requested. I will try to send out updates as I receive them.

08/29/2025

Heron fire is currently monitoring a potentially hazardous situation near the intersection of Upper River Rd and Hugh Lillard Ln. A tree has fallen on the power lines. There aren't any sparks or fire and Northern Lights is also on scene to get it cleared off of the road. If your power is out this is why.

07/04/2025

From the Heron Fire family to yours , we would like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day! Please remember to celebrate responsibly and travel safely.

Address

140 Railroad Avenue , P. O. Box 86
Heron, MT
59844

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