Ennis, MT

Remember That Open Burning In Madison Valley to End July 15, 2010
Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen would like to remind readers that the Madison Valley Rural Fire District will cease to issue Burning Permits for open burning on July 15, 2010. Starting July 16, 2010 there will be no open burning allowed in the Madison Valley. Chief Christensen stated “The issue will be readdressed when conditions warrant lifting the burning ban”.

The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department responded to two calls for service last week. On July 5th, the MVRFD Responded to the report of a fire at the dumpster site at Ennis. The MVRFD responded two apparatus with seven firefighters. First arriving apparatus found active flames in the compactor, visible from the highway. The fire that was accessible in the compactor was quickly extinguished. Active fire continued in the container which was not accessible without disassembly of the unit. County Solid Waste personnel had to be called in from Sheridan to remove the container from the compactor to allow firefighters to access the extension of the fire. MVRFD personnel were on scene for two hours.

We would like to take this opportunity to again remind readers to make sure any trash dumped into one of the dumpsters or compactors is completely cold. Much time and taxpayer dollars are spent on incidents that are easily preventable with just a little extra caution.

MVRFD responded a Command Vehicle and three firefighters with water rescue equipment to assist Sheridan Fire Department, Ruby Valley Search and Rescue and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with the report of four children stranded in swift water in the Ruby River. Initial responding personnel were able to rescue the children promptly and MVRFD personnel were canceled en route.

If you have any questions or concerns, we would like to hear from you. Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to serving you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

MVRFD Fireline

Open Burning In Madison Valley to End July 15, 2010

Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen announced today that the Madison Valley Rural Fire District will cease to issue Burning Permits for open burning on July 15, 2010. Starting July 16, 2010 there will be no open burning allowed in the Madison Valley. “The wet spring and summer weather has caused the fine fuels to grow very rapidly” stated Chief Christensen. “These fuels are already starting to show signs of drying”. “It would be irresponsible for us to continue to allow open burning beyond July 15th” Chief Christensen stated “The issue will be readdressed when conditions warrant lifting the burning ban”.

On 6/27/10 the MVRFD was dispatched to assist the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Ennis Ambulance Service with a water rescue incident. The initial report was that a male subject had jumped from the Ennis Lake Bridge into the Ennis Lake. At the time of the page, the subject was unconscious and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was in progress. Not knowing what the access to the patient was like, Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies requested the assistance of the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department.

MVRFD responded a Rescue Apparatus with five firefighters. While still en route to the incident, Ennis Ambulance advised that they were en route to the Madison Valley Medical Center with the patient. Ennis Ambulance requested a firefighter be transferred to the ambulance to assist with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Rescue 711 rendezvoused with Ennis Ambulance on North Ennis Lake Rd near the Lake Shore Lodge and transferred Firefighter Mark White to the ambulance to assist with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation while in transport to the Madison Valley Medical Center.

Fourth of July was Active but Safe

The 15th Annual Madison Valley Rural Fire Department’s 4th of July Pancake Breakfast was very successful. We had over 1,000 people attending this year. We would like to express our appreciation for all who attended this year’s event and supported your fire department. Next years event will be very special for us as it will be the 50th Anniversary of the Madison Valley Rural Fire District which was established in 1961. Moreover, we are rapidly approaching the 100th Anniversary of our Fire Department which was officially organized on as the Ennis Volunteer Fire Department on April 10, 1915.

On the night of the Fourth Virginia City held their Annual Fireworks Show. At the request of Virginia City Rural Fire Chief Robert Erdall, the MVRFD deployed a Wildlands Engine with three firefighters to assist the Virginia City Rural Fire Department in the event of a critical incident during the performance. The performance went without incident and everyone enjoyed a spectacular Fireworks Show.

Focus on Fire Safety: Residential Hazardous Materials Safety
Residential hazardous materials (hazmat) safety is important in preventing fires in and around your home. Hazmat safety involves the proper handling and storage of combustibles and flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, oil, aerosols, certain household cleaning products, and painting supplies.

The following are some safety tips you can follow to avoid a hazmat emergency:

Use proper storage containers for flammables and combustibles;
Know how to shut off the gas supply in case of an emergency;
Never store flammables in direct sunlight or near an open flame;
Inspect storage areas regularly and be on the lookout for leaky con tainers, poor ventilation, and the smell of fumes;
Store hazardous materials out of the reach of children and pets.

If you have any questions or concerns, we would like to hear form you. Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to serving you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

MVRFD Fireline

Remember the 15th annual Madison Valley Rural Fire Department Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast will again be held this year on the morning of July 4th; from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The firefighters have been busy preparing for this annual event. This is the major yearly fundraiser for the MVRFD. We hope to see all of our friends and neighbors there.

The MVRFD recently received word that it has been awarded the Montana Department of Transportation, EMS Grant that we had applied for. This Grant, totaling $1,575.79, of which the State of Montana is responsible for $1,418.21, will allow the MVRFD to purchase Medical Response and Oxygen Kits to carry on our four first arriving apparatus. This will allow trained MVRFD EMTs and First Responders to provide enhanced medical care to patients in those instances when our apparatus arrive on scene in advance of the ambulance. We are very thankful for this opportunity to improve our service to our citizens.

Last week the MVRFD, at the request of the Madison Valley Manor, presented a Fire Extinguisher Familiarization Class for the Madison Valley Manor personnel. Firefighter Chris Orr covered the categories of fire extinguishers, their use, the kind of fires each class of extinguisher was intended to extinguish, safety precautions, and proper method of utilizing a fire extinguisher on small fires.

This week we conclude our multi-part series on the precautions that you can take to make your home less susceptible to wildland/urban interface fire. In our last article we talked about some strategies for action you can take if a wildland fire is approaching your property. Now let us take a look at actions you can take outside your home to assist with fire suppression when a wild fire threatens your home.
Place a ladder against the house (to allow access to the roof to extinguish spot fires).
Be sure all outside hoses are connected to faucets and, if possible, turned on.
Close or cover all eaves and foundation vents.
Move flammable patio or lawn furniture or any other materials away from the house.
Shut off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter.
Soak rags, towels, or small rugs with water and have on hand to put out embers or small fires.
Continually check the roof for embers, smoke, or fire.
If possible, place a lawn sprinkler on a wood shake or shingle roof, but wait until embers begin falling before you turn the sprinkler on. Don’t waste water. However, if there is adequate water pressure, periodically spray down a wood shake or shingle roof and wood siding.

The information for this series of articles was taken from Introduction to Firewise Principles. Firewise is a program of the National Fire Protection Association. You can learn more about the Firewise program and how to make your community a Firewise Community by visiting www.nfpa.org and www.firewise.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, we would like to hear form you. Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to serving you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

MVRFD Fireline

Remember the 15th annual Madison Valley Rural Fire Department Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast will again be held on the morning of July 4th, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is the major yearly fundraiser for the MVRFD. We hope to see all of our friends and neighbors there.
As we respond to emergency calls, we have notices that there seems to be some confusion on the part of other drivers as to what to do when fire apparatus is approaching. The MVRFD would like to remind motorists of these few simple rules.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching:
· Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.
· Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch for others. There may be several other emergency vehicles. Responding fire apparatus are required to obey traffic controls. This means that the apparatus must come to a complete stop at stop signs and lights. Just because the apparatus has stopped at a stop sign does not indicate that it is safe for you to proceed. Remain there until the fire apparatus has passed.
· Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped.
· Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren. Never race after an emergency vehicle to get through a traffic light.
· Never pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights unless directed to do so by a police officer or emergency personnel.
When you see a stopped emergency vehicle:
· Slow down and move over a lane if possible. If traffic or other conditions prevent you from changing lanes, you must slow down and proceed with caution.

This week we continue our multi-part series on the precautions that you can take to make your home less susceptible to wildland/urban interface fire. In our last article we looked at what to do inside the home when a fire threatens. This week we will talk about some strategies for action you can take if a wildland fire is approaching your property and you choose to remain with your home.

What to do When a Fire Threatens: Strategies for Action

Inside the Home (When Choosing to Remain With the Home*)
· Keep a radio or television tuned for instructions.
· Close all exterior doors and windows and exterior vents. Also close all interior doors.
· Leave a light on in each room; this may help firefighters in smoky conditions.
· Fill bathtubs, sinks, and other containers with water for putting out hot spots if no other source is available.
· Remember that the hot water heater and toilet are sources of water, if needed.
· Remove curtains and other combustibles from around windows (radiant heat can ignite curtains through the glass).
· Move all over-stuffed or upholstered furniture (over-stuffed chairs, couches, etc.) to the middle of the room, away from windows.
· Close all window blinds and shutters.
· Open the fireplace damper, but be sure the screen is in place to prevent embers from entering the house.
· Wear only cotton or wool clothes, preferably long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and boots.
· Continually check the attic, if possible, for embers, smoke, or fire.

* The decision to remain with your property is a personal choice which should be made only if conditions allow for your personal safety.

Next week we will talk about actions you can take outside your home to assist with fire suppression when a wild fire threatens your home.
If you have any questions about fire prevention or any other concerns, Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to hearing from you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

The Ruby Watershed Council (RWC) & Ruby Valley Conservation District (RVCD) is holding the 5th Annual Welcome to the Neighborhood Party on Friday, June 18 at the Madison County Fairgrounds begining at 5:30pm with social time, followed by the movie “Path to Eden” at 6:00pm. This movie about preserving Montana’s resources and culture for the future is narrarated by Tom Brokaw and features several local landowners and agricultural producers.

At approximately 7:30pm, John Vincent from the Public Service Commission will be giving an informational presentation on NorthWestern Energy’s proposed powerline project that would run through the Jefferson Valley along the Big Hole and on through Dillon. This issue is important both environmentally and economically to all citizens of Montana.

This event is to bring new and existing landowners together to have an opportunity to get to know each other, and to provide education about how to be a good steward of our land in Montana, truly the last best place!

Dinner will be served following the movie. This year we will be having an old fashioned community potluck! The RWC/RVCD will provide the meat and beverages - please bring a dish! If your last name starts with A - I bring a dessert, J - R bring a salad of some sort, S - Z a side dish…

Contact Rebecca to RSVP or with any questions at rubywatershed@gmail.com or 842-5741 x106
Forgive me if you received multiple emails - you may be listed in several “contact” groups!

–
Rebecca Mayfield Ramsey
Ruby Watershed Coordinator
Ruby Watershed Council/Ruby Valley Conservation District
PO Box 295, Sheridan, MT 59749
406-842-5741 x106
406-843-5257

MVRFD Fireline
On April 27 the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department was dispatched to the report of the smell of propane at a residence on Coachman Lane in Troutdale. MVRFD responded two apparatus, a command vehicle and seven firefighters. Volunteer firefighters were on scene in less than ten minutes from time of dispatch. MVRFD Personnel used a four gas monitor to determine that gas levels were well within a safe level.

The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic aid call to support the Harrison Fire Department and QRU at the scene of semi-truck on MT Hwy 84 one mile east of Norris on April 29. The semi-truck overturned after icy roads made it impossible for the truck to negotiate a turn. The overturned truck spilled it load of lumber. The driver, who suffered only minor injuries, was transported to the Madison Valley Medical Center by the Ennis Ambulance Service. The accident closed the road for a period of time until Harrison Fire Department personnel could open up one-way traffic. The MVRFD assisted HFD personnel with traffic control operations, a minor fuel leak, and incident command. As always the two departments worked flawlessly together and HFD conducted a very professional operation.

The morning of May 4, the MVRFD dispatched a wildlands engine and a 3 man crew to relieve Ruby Valley fire crews on the fire at the 5L Ranch west of Sheridan. The MVRFD crew worked the fire while local fire crews got a well deserved and much needed rest.

In the evening of May 4, the MVRFD was dispatched to the report of smoke billowing from a residence west of Ennis. The MVRFD responded three apparatus and nine firefighters to the incident. Investigation determined that the smoke was due to a woodstove that had recently been lit, and there was no uncontrolled fire.

This week we continue our multi-part series on the precautions that you can take to make your home less susceptible to wildland/urban interface fire. In our last article we discussed establishing and maintaining adequate water supplies for use in suppressing fires in the wildland / urban interface. This week we will take a look at planning for evacuation and predetermining your escape routes. Remember, these are activities that you need to complete well in advance of the fire season.
Evacuation Plans and Routes

Both individual and community evacuation plans should be created and known to everyone potentially impacted by the plans. Individual considerations will be addressed later when we talk about “What to do in the event of a fire,” but considerations should include:

Preferably, two evacuation routes will be identified for residents to leave an area.
A means of notification, whether by local law enforcement or by neighborhood leaders or other means, should be developed and be made known to all residents.
Meeting or gathering sites for evacuees should be identified and known to all residents.
The better known and practiced an evacuation plan is the more orderly and safely it can be carried out when necessary, while minimizing the risk to lives.

Next week we will start a discussion on fire prevention in the wildland / urban interface.

If you have any questions about making your home more survivable in the event of a wildfire or any other concerns, Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to hearing from you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/.

Friends and fellow community members,

I wanted to take a quick moment to encourage you to attend the House District 71 candidates forum this evening in Virginia City. This forum is focused on discussing some real important issues including natural resource management, conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, local and state economy, truck traffic, and growth. These are subjects that we all bear a deep interest in through our community involvement or our livelihoods.

The event details are as follows:

Where: Virginia City Community Center
When: 4-6 pm voter registration and pie social (registration ending at 5)
6-7:30 pm debate
Who: All members of the public are welcome to hear candidates Les Gilman, Ray Shaw, and Bob Wagner discuss the topics for the evening.

You may know that these are all Republican candidates running for this position, so the primary election in June will determine who represents us for House District 71. I am not endorsing any candidate, but I feel as though it is critically important for democrats and republicans alike to understand where our candidates sit on regionally important issues.

Hope to see you there.

S.

Sunni Heikes-Knapton
Madison Watershed Coordinator
406.682.3181

This past Weekend the Harrison Fire Department and Fire Services Training School conducted the 3rd annual regional fire academy. Friday evening training included Personal Protective Equipment and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus training, confined space training, and mayday drills. Saturday had firefighters doing offensive fire attack, propane emergencies, engineer training, large hose stream work and a sand table exercise provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Sunday firefighters had the opportunity to continue training in the maze trailer, engineer skills, live fire, Rapid Intervention Team, and mayday drills. Firefighters also trained on pump and roll wildland fire suppression training with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. 16 MVRFD firefighters attended the training with a number of the MVRFD personnel providing Command, Support or Training for the academy. Firefighters from as far away as Missoula, Swan Lake, and Highwood made the long trip to Harrison to participate in the outstanding training. In all, over 65 firefighters attended this year’s Harrison Fire Academy. Harrison Fire Chief Joe Husar, the Harrison Fire Department Staff and the members are to be commended for their commitment to this invaluable training.

This week we continue our multi-part series on the precautions that you can take to make your home less susceptible to wildland/urban interface fire. Last week we discussed street and address markings as well as some guidelines for improving and maintaining access to your property. This week we will take a look at establishing and maintaining adequate water supplies for use in suppressing fires in the wildland / urban interface to protect your home and the homes of your neighbors.
Water Supply
Some subdivisions and isolated developments rely on their own water systems rather than a municipal system. These systems should meet local fire department standards as well as the following considerations:

Hydrants or other access to the water should be clearly marked and maintained.
Neighbors can work together to create a cooperative emergency storage tank, also with access clearly marked and maintained.
Individuals may want to develop an on-site emergency storage (e.g., tank, swimming pool, or pond) of a minimum 2,000 gallons of water.
Emergency generators should be considered and available for water pumps in the event of a power outage.

Next week we will discuss evacuation plans and routes in the event a wildland fire threatens your home.

If you have any questions about making your home more survivable in the event of a wildfire or any other concerns, Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to hearing from you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

MVRFD Fireline
The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department responded to three calls for service last week. On April 14, the MVRFD was dispatched to a fire alarm at a residence on the Lonesome Dove Subdivision south of Cameron. The MVRFD responded two apparatus, a Command Vehicle from Station 1 with seven firefighters and one apparatus from Station 2 with 2 firefighters. Responding units conducted a methodical search of the residence and found no smoke or flames. MVRFD personnel were deployed for more that an hour and a half on the incident.

The MVRFD was dispatched to a tractor fire on Cemetery Loop Rd on April 15. The MVRFD responded three apparatus and a Command Vehicle with nine fire fighters. The Ennis Police Chief and a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy, who were first on scene, attempted to extinguish the fire with hand held fire extinguishers and were able to keep the fire from spreading until the MVRFD could arrive. The MVRFD completed extinguishment with water. The tractor suffered extensive damage. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

At 6:28 a.m. on April 17, the MVRFD, along with the Ennis Ambulance Service, Ennis Police Department, and the Montana Highway Patrol, was dispatched to a one vehicle rollover accident on the Big Sky Airport Road. The MVRFD responded a Rescue Apparatus and a Command Vehicle with six firefighters. No driver was located at the scene and it was eventually determined that the accident was an unreported accident from the early morning hours. MVRFD personnel were deployed for more than an hour on the incident.

This week we continue our multi-part series on the precautions that you can take to make your home less susceptible to wildland/urban interface fire. Last week we discussed some of the fire protection tools you may already have at your disposal. This week we will take a look at street and address markings as well as some guidelines for improving and maintaining access to your property.

Street and Address Markings

All roads and addresses should be clearly marked. Road and street signs should be maintained in readable condition using non-combustible materials. Addresses should be easily visible from the street.

Access
Firefighters cannot help protect your property if they cannot get to it. Roads leading to, through, and around subdivisions and isolated homes should be designed with emergency vehicles and two-way traffic in mind. Roads should be wide enough to handle both emergency vehicles entering the area, as well as other traffic leaving. Additionally:

Grades should not exceed 9% and curves should be gentle and wide enough for large emergency vehicles to get around them.
Bridges should be constructed to handle heavy equipment and vehicles.
Long driveways and cul-de-sacs should be large enough to allow emergency vehicles to maneuver and turn around.
Low, overhanging tree branches above and near roads or driveways should be trimmed back to allow emergency vehicle access.
Every neighborhood should have at least two routes in and out.
Turnouts large enough for heavy emergency vehicles should be constructed along one-way roads.
Vegetation should be trimmed back to create a buffer area, or firebreak, along both sides of roads.

Next week we will discuss establishing and maintaining adequate water supplies for use in suppressing fires in the wildland / urban interface.

If you have any questions about making your home more survivable in the event of a wildfire or any other concerns, Madison Valley Rural Fire Chief Shawn Christensen invites you to contact us at 682-3311. We look forward to hearing from you. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Remember, you can get up-to-date emergency information at the Madison County Montana Emergency Information web site, at http://madison.homestead.com/. Please visit our home page at www.mvrfd.org/. Remember to sign our guest book and let us know what you think.

Human Resources Council, District XII (letterhead)
700 Casey Street ~Butte, MT 59701

Contact Information: Elissa Mitchell, Executive Director
elissam@bresnan.net
406-496-4975

Information that you may want to share!
Grant Proposal Writing Seminar Offered

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Area Community Action Agency Offers Grant Proposal Writing Seminar

MADISON COUNTY, MONTANA — Human Resources Council District XII (HRC) is offering two organizational development seminars, focusing on strategic planning and grant proposal writing on May 12th and 13th in Sheridan and June 3rd and 4th in Ennis. The seminars, which will be presented by Janet Cornish of CDS of Montana, will be held at the Philanthropy River Building in Sheridan and the First Madison Valley Bank in Ennis. Funding for this training is being provided by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG). The CSBG program provides financial support to a nationwide network of community action agencies including HRC. These agencies fight poverty by providing services that help low-income people obtain the skills, knowledge, and motivation they need to become self-sufficient. Working in partnership with other local providers, HRC spends its federal CSBG dollars in local communities to meet the needs of the l
ow-income people they serve in Southwest Montana.

Seminar participants will not only learn the basics of grant writing, but they will have the opportunity to explore implementation strategies for identified projects and programs. Every two years, HRC conducts ?Dialogues on Poverty? in each of the counties it serves, which help identify local issues and priorities, as well as potential solutions. As part of its mission to build capacity, HRC is sponsoring this seminar to enhance the organizational and proposal writing skills of those who attend, which will, in turn help foster successful programs at the local level.

Janet has presented grant proposal writing classes for nearly 20 years through Montana Tech and a variety of local, state and federal programs. Seminars are also being offered in Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Powell and Granite Counties.

Lunch is included and reservations are required. For more information, please call 406-496-4975 to reserve your space.