Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Help Available For People Impacted By Wildfire

A resident of the Bitterroot valley references an evacuation map of the Roaring Lion fire during a community meeting in Hamilton August 4, 2016.
Nora Saks
A resident of the Bitterroot valley references an evacuation map of the Roaring Lion fire during a community meeting in Hamilton August 4, 2016.

It’s been a difficult week for Bitterroot Valley residents whose lives have been interrupted by the Roaring Lion fire. Natural disasters can lead to feelings of frustration, fatigue, anger and indecisiveness.

The executive director of the American Red Cross of Montana, Diane Wright, says those are normal responses.

"In the worst case, you may have lost your home and that’s tragic in and of itself. When you’re evacuated and out of your routine it’s perfectly normal to react that way."

Wright adds that one of the Red Cross’ priorities is to help people cope with disaster-related stress.

"(We monitor) the people that we come in contact with and make that initial assessment to make sure that they are doing ok. And if (they’re) not, we have places that we can refer them. We even have licensed professionals on our volunteer staff who we can have them call to talk things out."

Wright says that as of Thursday nine people were staying at the Hamilton shelter.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content