The Branch of Fire and Aviation is also responsible for managing the Montana/Dakotas’ aviation program. The aviation program supports all fixed wing and rotor-wing mission profiles that encompass both wildland fire and fuels management. The program also supports various resource programs including wild horses, range management, recreation, law enforcement, and oil and gas.

In some instances, other agencies provide wildland fire protection on BLM-administered public lands. This is done  through cooperative interagency agreements which allow the closest firefighting forces to respond to wildland fires. Cooperators include the US Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Montana, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and several tribal governments, as well as several local volunteer fire departments (VFDs).

The BLM’s professional fire management staff not only provides wildland firefighting for resource protection but also consists of an active fuels management and prescribed fire program. These programs use prescribed fire and mechanical methods as a resource management “tool” to protect our natural resources and communities, reduce the negative impacts of unplanned wildland fire, and improve the health of the land. 

In addition, the Branch of Fire and Aviation is also very active in providing community assistance and protection services.  The community assistance and protection program focuses on mitigation, prevention, education, and outreach.  The mitigation/prevention experts address reduction of wildland fire threats and losses to communities and natural resources by taking actions before a fire starts.

The BLM Montana/Dakotas Branch of Fire and Aviation is divided into four fire management zones. The BLM State Fire and Aviation Management Office and the Southern Montana Fire Zone Office are both located in Billings, Montana. The Western Montana Fire Zone Office is located in Butte, Montana. The Central Montana Fire Zone Office is located in Lewistown, Montana, and the Eastern Montana/Dakotas Fire Zone Office is located in Miles City, Montana. 

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