Rural Fire History

Meagher County Fire, formed in 1967, was the first County in the State Cooperative program. In the agreement the state would supply the equipment, planning and training to the volunteers. Also in the cooperative agreement, if the county experienced a wildland fire that was too large for our capabilities, the state would help financially and with resources. The County now had two Wildland Fire fighting entities. Meagher County Fire is responsible for raising the volunteers, maintenance on the state equipment and responding to wildland fires on private and state lands. It also protects some isolated B.L.M. ground in the county and some direct protection for the state in the North West end of the county. The Second was U.S. Forest Service protecting federal surface. There was one structure fire department, the City of White Sulphur Springs which is a municipal structure fire department, last formed in the early 1900’s.  In 1989 Martinsdale Fire Service Area was formed, adding a second structure fire department to the county, the revenue it generates is for structure fire only. Martinsdale Fire also responds to wildland fire in its area, supported through mutual aid with the County, and is paid for by Meagher County Fire.

On the Lucas Ranch the very first D.N.R.C. equipment was placed.  It was a trailer which he towed behind his personal vehicle.  This was replaced in 1999 with a type 6 brush truck, which he still operates today.

County Fire Chief Rick Seidlitz 406.547.4290 Fax 406.547.3574 rick@meaghercounty.org