Audit recommends changes to how Montana landowners pay for wildfire protection

Audit says how much landowners pay for firefighting resources based on antiquated process

Montana’s system of determining how much landowners should pay for wildland firefighting resources has drifted out of balance since its inception decades ago, according to a legislative audit published in April.

Audit recommends changes to how Montana landowners pay for wildfire protection

“When the state provides wildfire protection without charging fees commensurate with the expenses of protecting a property, the landowner receives a subsidy from the state," the audit said.