Wheatland Co. Emergency Management - DES

10/29/2026

Our neighbors to the north did a fantastic job hosting this meeting. Great discussions, great connections, and a great crew. Over the last few years, we have learned these connections are priceless. Thank you to everyone who participated.

10/28/2026

Today, on National First Responders Day, we honor the people who answer the call and serve our communities—dispatchers, firefighters, EMS professionals, law enforcement officers, search and rescue teams, and emergency management personnel.

Your courage, skill, commitment, and compassion make a difference in moments when people need help most. Thank you for showing up, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances, to protect, support, and care for our neighbors. We are grateful for all that you do, and for the families who stand beside you and share in the sacrifices of this important work.

If you see a first responder in your community today, take a moment to say thank you. A kind word, a wave, or a simple expression of appreciation can mean more than you know. Let’s make sure the people who are always there for us know that we are there for them, too.

10/13/2026

Monthly Test

The Wheatland/Golden Valley County Emergency Alert monthly test has been sent out. If you are signed up for emergency alerts and did not receive a message or phone call, please contact the Wheatland County Office of Emergency Management / DES at 406-940-5750 during regular business hours.

09/29/2026

**USDA disaster assistance available to eligible producers**

The USDA Farm Service Agency has designated Wheatland County and 15 other Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought. Producers in Wheatland County and eligible contiguous counties may apply for FSA emergency loans to help recover from qualifying losses.

The designation covers drought beginning May 1, 2026. The application deadline is **May 17, 2027**. Eligibility and loan approval depend on factors including the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability.

Contact your local USDA Service Center to discuss eligibility and available assistance. Read the announcement and see the full list of eligible counties:
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/09-28-2026/usda-designates-16-montana-counties-natural-disaster-areas :chatgpt-content-reference{index="0"}

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans.

09/28/2026

Wheatland Co Ambulance and Wheatland Co Emergency Management are out at the Community Connect Day at the youth center! Stop by with questions if you want to know more about the processes behind the emergency services that serve your community.

09/19/2026

The Wheatland County Board of Commissioners has decided to take us out of Stage 1 fire restrictions. Burn permits can be attained by calling the Wheatland County Sheriff’s Office at 406-632-5614.

Official documentation of this change will be released at the next scheduled Commissioner Meeting.

Thank you
Director Nelson

09/19/2026

REMINDER: STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT IN WHEATLAND COUNTY

Wheatland County Dispatch has received several calls from individuals requesting burn permits following the recent rainfall.

While the moisture is certainly welcome, recent rain does not automatically lift fire restrictions.

Wheatland County remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Wheatland County Commissioners. These restrictions remain in effect until they are formally rescinded or modified by the Commissioners.

Burn permits cannot be issued for burning that is prohibited under the current restrictions. Please do not call Dispatch requesting a burn permit based solely on recent rainfall or improved conditions.

We understand that conditions may look and feel considerably better in some areas of the county. However, the current restrictions remain legally in effect until official action is taken to change them.

Any change to Wheatland County’s fire restrictions will be communicated through official county channels.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Wheatland County safe.

09/19/2026

The National Weather Service in Billings has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Southwestern Golden Valley County in central Montana...
Southeastern Wheatland County in central Montana...

* Until 900 PM MDT.

* At 602 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.7 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Mainly rural areas of Southwestern Golden Valley and Southeastern
Wheatland Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Do not drive on or attempt to cross flooded
roads, find an alternate route. Roads and driveways may be damaged or
washed out in places.

09/19/2026