County Eligible for $450,000 FEMA Aid, Homeowners Must Apply

Lewis and Clark County confirmed on November 18 that it is eligible for up to roughly $450,000 in federal funding to support wildfire mitigation for private property owners impacted by this summer's North Hills Fire. County officials said the money can be used to create defensible space around homes, reduce hazardous fuels, add ignition resistant materials to structures, and implement measures to protect against erosion or flooding in areas that burned.

The funding is intended to help property owners reduce the likelihood of future damage and to stabilize landscapes that are at higher risk of runoff and debris flows after fire. Assessors will evaluate applications to determine which projects meet eligibility criteria and how much each applicant may receive. County officials warned that the total number of approved projects will determine how far the allocation stretches, meaning award amounts could vary depending on demand.

Property owners who want to be considered must submit applications by December 31. Applications will be reviewed by county assessors, who will make determinations about project eligibility and award amounts following the county s established process. County officials urged property owners to prepare documentation that demonstrates need and scope of work, and to contact county offices for specific application instructions and deadlines.

Local fire chiefs and emergency management personnel have engaged with county officials to coordinate outreach and to ensure mitigation activities align with accepted wildfire risk reduction practices. Coordination among fire agencies, assessors and county administrators will be important for prioritizing work in the most at risk areas and for ensuring funds are applied efficiently across the affected landscape.

For residents, the funding offers a limited opportunity to offset costs for mitigation work that can improve home survivability and reduce community risk. Stabilizing burned slopes can also protect downstream properties and infrastructure from increased erosion and flood hazards this winter and in future seasons. Homeowners with burned or adjacent properties are the primary audience for the program, and timely applications will be critical given the December 31 deadline.

County officials emphasized that the allocation is an eligibility figure from FEMA, and final awards will depend on project approvals. Property owners seeking assistance should contact Lewis and Clark County offices for the application forms, submission requirements and any technical guidance before the deadline.