Montana Helicopters Sidelined from Fighting Federal Fires

By John Heatherly

Another modern example of inflexible, Big Government doing real harm to a State is being reported by Flathead Beacon. In this case, not only are the citizens of Montana losing to Federal Regulations, but wildlife is being damaged as well. For all of you who think the Confederate Flag controversy is about race, perhaps you need to consider the historical significance of States, like Montana, maintaining the independence to do what is best for themselves, rather than rely on “help” and decision-making from Big Government.

HELENA — In a fire season plagued by equipment shortages across the West, five Montana helicopters used for initial attacks on state and private land are being sidelined from responding to blazes that ignite in federal forests.

State pilots have watched helplessly as wildfires spread on federal lands while waiting for approved aircraft to respond. On other occasions, state helicopters flying above wildfires were told not to take action, Gov. Steve Bullock wrote in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“At a time where a cohesive response to wildland fire is more critical than ever, I continue to be frustrated by this unwarranted and artificial limitation on interagency use of our aircraft,” Bullock wrote.