About the SRFD
The Stevensville Rural Fire District was established August 7th, 1950 originally bringing together five fire stations that were operating independently in the farming area around Stevensville. We now have over 45 dedicated volunteer firefighters, EMT's who make up the combined roster for the Stevensville Rural Fire District and the Town of Stevensville Fire Department (LINK). The volunteers are on call to respond to emergencies and to provide support whenever is necessary during and emergency. Additionally, to help support the volunteers and the Stevensville Fire District Board we have two part-time administration staff.
Neighboring Fire Districts have automatic aid or mutual aid agreements. The Fire Districts of Stevensville, Florence, 3-Mile, Victor, Corvallis, Hamilton, Pinesdale and Darby also meet monthly with other public services to form the Ravalli County Fire Council and Training Co-op to work together better for Ravalli County residents. Public services that meet with the Fire Districts include 911 Dispatch, police, Red Cross, DNRC, Marcus Daily Hospital.
The District Area
The Fire District maintains four strategically located and well equipped stations that are staffed by dedicated volunteers. These stations are located near water sources that serve as fill locations for our engines and tenders in case of fires or emergencies in the district, Town of Stevensville or to our neighboring communities. Emergency response services include: structure fires, wildland fires, medical aid, motor vehicle accidents, water and low angle rescues and hazardous material releases.
Our four volunteer fire stations and two Town of Stevensville Fire Department volunteer fire stations work as one to provide fire suppression, rescue and Basic Life Support (BLS). Additionally the Stevensville Fire agencies work closely with Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital Ambulance staff who provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) services.
The Stevensville Rural
Fire District consists of 103 square miles with in Ravalli County with The
District has some 2042 resident addresses and another 276 newly issued
addresses. Many in homes nestled in the hills off the beaten path and
accessible only via narrow and/or steep unpaved roads which makes communication
critical for emergency services.
Highlights - Geography and Infrasturture
Our area contains a variety of geography and infrastructure which includes:
· Roadways and Bridges:
o 7 miles of State Highway 93 (including one bridge)
o Approximately 10 miles of secondary Highway 203 (Eastside Hwy) including 0.3 miles south of Spooner Creek Road to Overlook Trail.
o 1 mile of Stevensville cutoff road and main bridge over the Bitterroot River.
· Bitterroot River also presents a significant risk. Floaters and general public need to be aware of hazards due to flow levels that fluctuate with spring runoff in the main river channel as well as secondary channels and deep Bitterroot Irrigation District Cannels supplying farms and residents with summer water.
· The Fire District also borders U.S. Forest Service ground for approximately 11 miles on the west side and on the east side approximately 15 miles of Forest Service boundary along the Sapphire Mountains.
· Both private land with fields and forests as well as the Districts closeness to wildlands both present the threat of wild fire to our citizens. Western Montana's heavily forested landscape, combined with summertime high temperatures and low precipitation, make for extreme fire conditions.
· Wilderness accesses include hiking and horseback trails, rock walls for climbers as well as many miles of roads for access to hunting and recreational activities.
· Industrial manufacturing business including ammunition factories, fabrication services and other industrial businesses.
· Nearby Stevensville Municipal Airport with infrequent arriving and departing flights over the district.
