Tester Secures $780,000 to Support Montana’s Wildland Firefighters

Historic funding comes from the Senator’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

Continuing his efforts to support Montana’s wildland firefighters, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $780,000 to support Montana’s wildland fire management and operational response.

This funding comes from Tester’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support IIJA, and was one of the lead bipartisan negotiators who crafted the package.

“Montana’s wildland firefighters are putting their lives on the line to protect our communities this fire season, and we owe it to them to invest in their safety,” said Tester. “That’s why I fought for these targeted investments in my bipartisan infrastructure law and it’s why I’ll continue to ensure our wildland firefighters have the resources they need. This funding will go towards critical measures to prepare for and respond to wildfires, and I’m proud to see these resources work to protect communities and public lands in Big Sky Country.”

Today’s funding announcement include funding for special pay supplements, training for wildland firefights, collaborative fuels management, and burned area rehabilitation activities.

As the Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Tester has consistently been a champion in the effort to support firefighters and provide relief for communities most affected by wildfires in Montana. Last December, Congress passed Tester’s Fairness for Federal Firefighters Act to expand workers’ compensation and disability retirement benefits for federal firefighters, and Tester secured $4.4 billion for wildfire suppression in Montana through the 2023 government funding package.