HELENA, Mont. – Joining Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Director Amanda Kaster, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the impact of the state’s investments in fuel reduction and fire suppression efforts this fire season. Through $60 million in funding secured when Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 883 into law, the state is prepared now more than ever before to increase the pace and scale of forest and wildfire management. “…many fires have been prevented or suppressed through our investments in an aggressive initial attack and through new technology,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our increased resources have made a noticeable difference this season, allowing us to catch fires before they become visible.” With the additional funding, DNRC has expanded its wildfire prevention and suppression efforts by using cutting-edge technology to find fires before they show visible smoke, securing additional equipment to fight fires faster, and addressing forest health through fuel reduction work.