Fort Benton Volunteer Fire Department

07/24/2026

Red Flag Warning....starting at 10am today and lasting through the weekend. Very hot temps, low humidity and increased wind makes conditions very hazardous for wildfire starts. Please be aware of your surroundings, no outdoor burning, make sure trailer chains are secure and not dragging on the roadway. If you have to pull off the road, look for areas that does not have tall, dry grass as hot exhaust can cause a fire start.
Let's all be safe and mindful of the heat. Stay cool and hydrated!

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of Central and North Central Montana from late this morning through Saturday evening due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. Any new or existing fires will be difficult to contain under these conditions.

07/19/2026

06/26/2026

The 50th Summer Celebration is this weekend. Here's some safety tips to please keep in mind....

There is no parking at the Fire Hall. This usually isn't a problem since we're farther away from the festivities, but just a friendly reminder.

Grilling and cook-outs are especially popular with family visiting from out of town or state. Be mindful of any cook fires or campfires. Always keep buckets of water close by to extinguish and fires that begin to get out of control.

Be aware of your surroundings, especially of pedestrians! Our town's population practically triples with a lot of people walking around town. Main St, Front St and all around the park are especially hazardous.

Be on the look out for children especially. They could possibly dart out into traffic before you see them. Take your time and drive slower than the posted speed limits.

With these tips in mind, let's all have a very fun, but safe, 50th Summer Celebration!!!!

04/04/2026

Today, Saturday Aprtil 4th, the Fire Department was called into action once again!

The mission.....get the Easter Bunny to the park in time for the egg hunt!! With lights flashing and siren blaring, the fire truck got to the park, with the Bunny riding shotgun, in plenty of time for the kids to race and find the eggs!!!

A special thank you to the Fort Benton Lions Club for putting on this event each year and to the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office, MT for coming out and helping kick things off with their sirens as well!!!

03/21/2026

Fire season is already upon us!! With the abnormally warm winter and lack of moisture, fire season seems to be starting early this year. We have already had several wildfires around the area with a few being driven by high winds. State resources are already being stretched thin because of wildfire starts around the state. Plus, resources just aren't available this early in the season as the state hasn't geared up for the formal wildfire season as yet.

Just a friendly reminder from times past.....if you are planning to burn, please contact the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office, MT for a burn permit. These permits alert the county dispatchers that there is a controlled burn taking place and reduces false call outs for us.

Do not burn in high winds or winds in excess of 10mph. Embers can blow away and spark a wildfire quickly.

Always make sure to have plenty of water on hand in case your burn does get out of control.

Always make sure the entire burn area is cold to the touch before leaving any fire alone.

If you plan on towing a trailer, please make sure all chains are secured and not dragging opn the pavement. Sparks from dragging chains can easily spark a wildfire.

Let's all show due diligence this year and prevent wildfires before they start!!!

03/21/2026

New Fire Starts 🔥
Jefferson (1) and Lewis & Clark (2) Counties
Start Date: 3/20/2026

DNRC is in command and on scene at all three fires, air resources are also responding. County, state, and federal partners are supporting.

Rattlesnake Fire
Location: Lewis & Clark County, West of I-15 by Gates of the Mountain Exit
Size: approx. 40 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 0%
Expect delays on I-15 at Gates of Mountain exit, in both directions, local Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's office is on scene controlling traffic. If traveling through the area, slow down and use caution due to emergency vehicle presence.

Golconda Fire
Location: Jefferson County, Southeast of Jefferson City, Tizer Lake Rd:
Size: 5.8 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 0%

Ordway Fire
Location: Lewis & Clark County, Northeast of Craig, MT
Size: approx. 70 acres.
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 0%
Evacuations: Please avoid the area, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's office has evacuations and road closures in place.

Photo: Rattlesnake Fire

03/09/2026

03/08/2026

Today 3/8 at approximately 1156, we were paged for mutual aid to Geraldine Fire in response to a wildfire on Big Sag Rd area. Additional departments around the county have also been dispatched and the fight is still ongoing. Please keep these firefighters in your thoughts as they continue to battle in these high winds.