Wildfire Planning and Property Resources
Current public-agency guidance can help residents understand community planning, reduce risk on their property, and find official information during an incident.
Defensible Space
Create room between your home and the fuels around it, working outward in zones.
- 0–5 ft: keep the immediate perimeter clear of mulch, debris, and stored fuels.
- 5–30 ft: space trees and shrubs, and keep grass short.
- 30–100 ft: thin vegetation and remove ladder fuels.
A Hardened Home
Address the places where embers gather and ignite a structure.
- Screen vents and enclose eaves to keep embers out.
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of needles and leaves.
- Move firewood and combustibles away from walls and decks.
Readiness
Know what you will do before a warning comes.
- Keep address markers visible from the road.
- Plan two ways out of your neighborhood.
- Prepare an emergency kit and a household plan.
Wildfire Resources
Documents, live fire information, and trusted links for WFSA residents.
These are the resources WFSA points residents to most often. If you know of a resource that should be here, email the Board at board@whitefishfireservicearea.org.
Wildfire Protection Plans
- Flathead County 2021 Community Wildfire Protection PlanThis 107-page report was developed by the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services. It addresses concerns about wildfire management and presents mitigation strategies for landowners.PDF · 2.5 MBDownload: Flathead County 2021 Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- Whitefish Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2008)Historical plan for Whitefish and surrounding areas. The City began preparing an updated plan in 2026.PDF · 3.2 MBDownload: Whitefish Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2008)
- 2026 Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan UpdateCity project information for the plan update being developed with municipal, state, and federal land-management agencies.Open external link: 2026 Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
Useful Websites
- InciWebUp-to-date tracking on all wildfires in the US. This website has all the most current information about the location and status of wildfires.Open external link: InciWeb
- WFCA Fire MapAn up-to-date fire tracking map from the Western Fire Chiefs Association. A great resource to stay informed about the latest wildfires in the area.Open external link: WFCA Fire Map
- City of Whitefish Fire DepartmentOfficial information about the department, its facilities, services, and public documents.Open external link: City of Whitefish Fire Department
- National Wildfire Coordinating GroupAn interdisciplinary task force of national-level groups and agencies working to prevent and manage wildfires.Open external link: National Wildfire Coordinating Group
- Flathead Conservation DistrictThis is the Flathead branch in charge of conserving soil, water, and other natural resources. They have good resources for property owners on how to properly steward their land while keeping fire danger low.Open external link: Flathead Conservation District
- National Fire Protection AssociationCodes, standards, research, and public fire-safety information.Open external link: National Fire Protection Association
- FireWise USAThis is a branch of the National Fire Protection Association. It features helpful tips and resources for reducing wildfire risks.Open external link: FireWise USA
- Smokey BearPublic information about preventing human-caused wildfires.Open external link: Smokey Bear
- Montana DNRCCurrent Montana wildfire-prevention information and the state's free home wildfire risk assessment program.Open external link: Montana DNRC
- Bureau of Land ManagementThe latest from the U.S. Department of the Interior about land management from a high-level view.Open external link: Bureau of Land Management
- US Forest ServiceInfo from the leading forest management agency. One interesting resource is, "Innovating wildfire insurance."Open external link: US Forest Service
- Ready.gov WildfiresA branch of FEMA dedicated to wildfire disaster prevention and response.Open external link: Ready.gov Wildfires
- FireSafe MontanaA non-profit operating across Montana to help protect people and property from fire.Open external link: FireSafe Montana
- City of Whitefish Evacuation PlansThe City's current Fire and Ambulance page lists the Whitefish City Evacuation Plan with other official public documents.Open external link: City of Whitefish Evacuation Plans
Free Home Wildfire Risk Assessment
Current program information from Montana DNRC.
Montana DNRC offers a free assessment of a home's wildfire vulnerabilities. A local fire professional visits the property, identifies potential hazards, and provides recommendations for reducing risk and planning for evacuation.
Use the current DNRC request page for scheduling, eligibility, and privacy information. This is a state program, not a WFSA inspection or funding commitment.
WFSA does not provide property inspections or individual mitigation plans. Use the responsible agency’s current guidance for property-specific or emergency information.