Tribes, Mail Carriers Visit With Smokey
Tribal officials on the Fort Peck Reservation gathered last week at council chambers to show their support for Smokey Bear’s messaging about fire safety, following a spring with warmer than average weather. Located on more than two million acres, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes share a tribal government that provides services to area residents, including wildfire prevention efforts.
Officials told area media that three wildfires last weekend highlighted the need for responsible stewardship from BIA fire management and area volunteer fire departments.
“They’ve got our back all the way,” said Adam Wolf, Fire Management officer. “The tribes support BIA fire management and our efforts to prevent wildfire and rangeland fire. I know we can’t prevent some of the harvesting fires. The weather’s helping, but you don’t see fire activity like two years ago when we started focusing on preventing fires, prevention is paying off in its third year and it’s only getting better.”
Smokey Bear visited post offices and tribal offices and visited with members of the Fort Peck Tribes’ executive board. Misty Daniels of the chairman’s office was in attendance, as was agency superintendent Anna Eder.
“So far, rain and smoke kept July a below-average fire month,” Wolf said, “but that may change. The reservation has been rainier than normal.”
Wolf said staying mindful of fire dangers can greatly reduce fires in our area. Said a press release, “Fire prevention makes a difference for our communities: it saves lives, homes, health, livestock, pets and livelihoods by reducing risks to families. It’s a challenge to respect the power of wildfire and prepare to stay safe. BIA Fort Peck Agency is devoted to helping people honor Smokey Bear’s message.”
The U.S. Postal Service assists wildfire prevention by helping residents communicate and share information. Staff at four reservation post offices also took photos with Smokey Bear.
Wolf is applying for funding to print a fire prevention calendar. As in 2021, engine boss Karl Big Hair from BIA Crow Agency is helping staff BIA engines, with another engine boss expected.
The BIA and local fire departments need more firefighters. BIA is still seeking emergency-hire and occasional- hire firefighters. Pay this summer for rookies who complete training is $21.08 an hour for some very long days. Please call the BIA Fort Peck Fire office at 406-768-3666 for more information.
If you are considering lighting a fire, call tribal environmental protection at 406768-2322 for a burn permit or reach out to Roosevelt County dispatch at 406-653-6216.
