Plans and progress for Tri-County Fire

The Tri-County Firesafe Working Group sharply increased its efficiency last year, protecting more area homeowners for less, despite reduced funding. 

Tri-County, which works to improve wildfire safety in Jefferson, Broadwater, and Lewis & Clark counties, increased the number of properties treated by nearly 30% (26 to 34) and the acreage treated by more than a third (100 acres to 136), while receiving a third less in grant funds ($111,000 to just under $75,000) and reducing costs to homeowners ($40,000 per homeowner to $25,000). 

“We have become more efficient since 2024,” said Tri-County President Lois Olsen, adding that the organization had built up a stable of reliable contractors to help with field work. “We have built our list up over time and the bids have been competitive.”