Missoula Fire Department

Thanks to a recent amendment passed by the Missoula City Council, fire fighters who live outside of the city will be eligible to be on the city’s fire team.

The change will bring the department in line with similar policies adopted by the Missoula Police Department.

The Missoula police and fire departments on Wednesday kicked off the city's official budgeting season, seeking funds to cover inflationary costs and to fill their anticipated needs over the new fiscal year.

Chief Lonnie Rash will replace Gordy Hughes, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Based upon call volume, response times and industry standards, the Missoula Fire Department has proposed placing a new fire station in the mid-Reserve Street area on the western edge of the city.

John Petroff has been named as the Assistant Chief of Administration, bringing nearly two decades of experience to the post.

The Missoula Fire Department snuffed a residential structure fire on Sunday afternoon, though the home received significant smoke damage.

A station location study conducted on behalf of the Missoula Fire Department recommends placing a voter-approved sixth fire station on the western edge of the city.

A $7.5 million federal grant awarded to the city this month will give the Missoula Fire Department a jump on a number of needs when added to the fire levy approved by voters in June.

The fire levy is permanent and will generate up to $7 million annually to support growth in the Missoula Fire Department.