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Wildfire Resources

MEC’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan

Missoula Electric Cooperative initially developed a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) in 2020. This plan has been routinely updated and outlines organizational and operational practices and programs implemented by the Co-op to reduce the risk of utility-caused wildfire. These efforts help the Co-op safeguard infrastructure, employees, Cooperative members, and our communities.

Pursuant to House Bill 490, which passed with bipartisan support in the 2025 Legislative Session, MEC updated its WMP, with public participation, including a public comment period. MEC’s final Wildfire Mitigation Plan can be viewed below.

WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN

Wildfire Resources

Affectionately nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” Montana offers unmatched scenery, eight National Parks, plentiful wildlife, and recreation opportunities galore! However, Montana living does not come without risk.

Smokey skies, scratchy throats, and watery eyes are all too familiar to Montanans during fire season. Although irritating and unwelcome, these inconveniences pale compared to the devastation wildfires can leave behind. Wildfire size, frequency and severity have risen year-over-year, prompting a critical response from electric utilities.

Responsible for powering some of the nation’s most fire-prone, fuel-dense areas, Missoula Electric Cooperative’s policies, programs and procedures must manage or reduce the risk of system-caused wildfires. In 2020, MEC developed a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP), which has proven essential to our operations. The WMP details the Co-op’s wildfire mitigation strategies, programs, adopted technologies and operational practices that have been implemented to reduce the potential for system ignitions. These critical efforts help the Cooperative keep equipment, employees, members, communities and neighboring cities and states safe.

As a business or home owner, having a wildfire plan in place is essential. When you’re ready to start building a wildfire plan, consider using the resources below.