Tester launches new online wildfire resource

Senator’s webpage includes helpful information on dealing with this season’s fires

(BIG SANDY, Mont.)  – As wildfires continue to rage across Montana, Senator Jon Tester is launching a new website to provide Montanans with useful information about response, prevention and rebuilding.

Tester’s website, tester.senate.gov/fire, includes information about resources available to Montanans suffering from the fires.  The site also includes information for Montanans interested in volunteering and providing other assistance to those in need.

The website contains contact phone numbers, up-to-date wildfire incident reports and information on how to prepare for a wildfire.  The website also contains an interactive map so Montanans can see where fires have occurred and where firefighting crews have been deployed.

Tester’s site also includes a link to the Montana Hay Hotline.  The hotline is a Montana Department of Agriculture site where farmers and ranchers can find ranchers in wildfire-affected areas who are in need of hay.

“As firefighters work around the clock to get these fires under control, we’ve got to make sure that folks are prepared for any situation,” Tester said.  “This website will give Montanans a user-friendly resource so they can get quick fire updates and learn how they can help folks already suffering.”

Tester on Saturday received briefings at the Incident Command Posts for the Dahl Fire near Roundup and the Ash Creek fire in southeastern Montana. Senator Baucus joined Tester for the Ash Creek fire tour.

Montanans looking for more information should visit tester.senate.gov/fire or call Tester’s office toll-free at 866-544-4403.

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