Polson Rural Fire District

10/20/2026

We always try to help our neighbors when we can, and we appreciate our other neighboring departments that can help cover our district when we do so.

A fast-moving brush fire in Hot Springs grew to more than 1,600 acres after it sparked Saturday afternoon. It started when residential brush burning met dry, windy conditions.

10/18/2026

Video of some fire behavior observed this evening in Hot Springs. We have had abnormal fall weather with it being warmer and dryer than average leading to a heightened fire risk. That combined with higher winds can put fire danger high, and this will likely continue until we get a significant wet weather event. While it is open burn season please use caution when burning and make sure you have a way to extinguish your fire before it becomes out of control.

10/18/2026

Photos of the fire burning near Hot Springs, combination of photos from Polson Rural Fire Personnel as well as Hot Springs Fire Personnel

10/17/2026

PRFD has been requested mutual aid to Little Bitteroot Rd in Hotsprings for an out of control grass fire. Many Departments are on scene, smoke is visible from Polson as we work to contain the fire. It is estimated over 500 acres at this time. We will provide more information if available.

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

10/9/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Thursday October 8th around 5pm PRFD was dispatched to a shed on fire off of Irvine Flats Rd with a mobile home close by that was in threat. City of Polson Fire Department and Polson Ambulance Inc. were immediately requested mutual aid and upon arrival first due units found a fully involved shed about 10 feet from a mobile home, which was starting to catch on fire. There were also other nearby homes that were in danger due to a moving grass fire. The first due engine was able to stop the threat to adjacent homes and began to extinguish the mobile home which received significant damage. Suppression efforts were able to stop the fire from destroying the entire home however it is considered a total loss.

A total of 2 structure engines, 5 tenders, 3 brush trucks, and 4 command vehicles responded to the fire. One firefighter received a minor injury and was not transported to the hospital.

The cause of the fire was an intended controlled burn that got out of control.

09/18/2026

9/17/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today just before 3pm PRFD, City of Polson Fire Department, and Polson Ambulance Inc. were dispatched to a structure fire in the area of Baypoint Rd and Rocky Point Rd. The first unit was on scene within minutes of the dispatch and found light smoke coming from the exterior wall of the structure and very light smoke conditions inside. A garden hose and extinguisher were used to cool the fire until the first engine arrived on scene. We were able to contain the fire to the wall of origin, preventing further damage to the home and contents. The fire is under investigation.

The homeowner was home at the time of the fire and was alerted to the fire by smoke detectors. Due to this the fire was caught in early stages and we were able to prevent further destruction of the home. It's a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and replace your batteries if needed.

A total of 3 engines, 3 water tenders, 3 command vehicles, and 1 ambulance responded and there were no injuries as a result of this fire.

Thank you to all assisting agencies.

09/14/2026

Debris burning is opening 2 weeks early this year, starting tomorrow September 15th. However you do need to get a burn permit.

You will need a burn permit for the next two weeks, if you plan to debris burn.

09/11/2026

Today we remember the 343 Firefighters, as well as other first responders and civilians who lost their lives 24 years ago in the 9/11 terrorist attacks . We also remember the countless lives lost since as a result of this day.