Fire Prevention & Awareness

Smoke Detector Program

The Missoula Fire Department (MFD) desires at least one working smoke detector in every household. With that goal, we have committed to provide at least one smoke detector and/or batteries for to residents living in the city of Missoula who may not be able to otherwise afford them. If you need a detector or assistance obtaining or installing a detector, please call 406-552-6210 during normal business hours and we will be happy to assist you.

If you are a perspective new homeowner or tenant of a rental, state law requires provisions for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. As it is the responsibility of property owner, MFD cannot provide tenants or landlords with smoke detectors. Please see Montana Code annotated 70-24-30: Landlord To Maintain Premises.

Our thanks to those of you who have helped make Missoula safer by allowing us in your home to check your detector, and especially to those businesses who helped us purchase detectors and batteries.

• Montana Code Annotated: 70-20-113 Notice of presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors upon sale of dwelling.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

For installation or questions about your carbon monoxide (CO) detector, please call 406-552-6210 during normal business hours.

At this time the Missoula Fire Department, does not have CO detectors available for distribution. However, the Missoula Safe Kids Coalition has recently received a grant for minimal distribution of CO detectors for Missoula residents. For more information, you can contact them at 406-926-2522.

• Missoula Safe Kids Coalition Initiatives

Help First Responders Arriving to your Property

The Missoula Fire Department cooperates with local businesses and homeowners to ensure we have access to their properties and knowledge of their building in an event of an emergency. We have three programs that fulfill those needs: our lockbox program, our pre-plan program, and Missoula's Smart911 program.

The Lockbox Program

A lockbox will ensure that the fire department has the ability to gain access to a business or at-risk residence upon an emergency response. These boxes are designed to contain your property keys or access codes that allow us quick entry in the event of an emergency.  They are for the purposes of access when occupants are not on site. If you own a property that could benefit from a lockbox, please call our headquarters at 406-552-6210 to inquire further.

The Pre-Plan Program

Pre-plans put our operations staff directly into the buildings in our community. An engine company will tour the space for layout familiarity and record details like alarm locations, gas shut off valves and noted hazards present. This program assists in promoting safe firefighting practices for our crews and our community.

Smart 911

Smart 911 is a program brought to Missoula by the Department of Emergency Services. It allows you to create a free on-line profile of your business or residence to record specific information about residents or hazards that may be present there. Missoula's 911 dispatchers can translate this information to first responders arriving to your property. MFD believes this program to be valuable to our citizens and we strongly encourage you to take a moment to create and fill out a profile if you haven't already.

Apartment Safety 

International Fire Code states that any residential dwelling unit with three or more units is considered a multi-family residential dwelling. In 2017, the US Fire Administration (USFA) developed a detailed report of fire statistics occurring in the United States from 2013-2015. This report highlights some scary statistics about fires in these dwellings and offers some great information. Multi-family residential safety is the responsibility of both the landlord and the tenant. To help ensure you that your living situation is safe, MFD has compiled some informational links. If you have any further questions or concerns about fire and life safety in your multi-family dwelling, our Fire Prevention Bureau may be able to help. You can reach them by phone at (406) 552-6210. 

• Multifamily Residential Building Fires from 2013-2015 from the USFA
• Apartment Fire Safety Begins with the Plan from the USFA
• High-rise Apartment & Condo Safety from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Fire Alarms in Apartment Buildings from the NFPA
• Keeping Stairways Clear for Evacuation in Dorms from the NFPA

Fire Prevention Information & Resources

• Fire Safety Trading Card (PDF)
• Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Kids and Families Fact Sheets & Safety Tips 
• Visit Sparky, the Fire Dog's Web Site
• Product Safety and Recall Information from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Remembering When: Fire and Fall Protection for Older Adults
• Hoarding and Fire Safety