This past weekend, 65 fire fighters from Libby to Miles City made the trek to Eastgate Fire for the Spring 2014 meeting of Montana Mutual Aid.  Many more were not able to make the trip due to travel conditions.

The group enjoyed the hospitality of Sue and Ken Merganthaler and the Eastgate Fire Crew.  Many thanks to Sue, Ken and crew for the fine provisions and warm welcome they always extend to their guests.

Dan Madrzykowski and Alan Brunacini contributed their considerable expertise and experiences in understanding fire dynamics and applying the results of the latest research to the tactical world of fighting fires in structures.  Sonny Stiger, Dave Maser(MT DES), Sheriff Leo Dutton and members of the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Byran Costigan(MATIC) provided their current views of the challenges we all face as responders.  Friendships were made and renewed and conversations were thoughtful and engaging.

Copies of the Montana Mutual Aid Field Operations Guide(the Blue Book) were distributed.  Many thanks to Montana DES and Director Ed Tinsley for supporting the publication of this valuable resource for Montana Responders.

Please plan on participating in the next meeting of Montana Mutual Aid, on November 1st and 2nd, 2014, at Eastgate Fire.  Sessions start at 10:00am, Saturday, November 1st and conclude by noon on Sunday, November 2nd.