Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: July 11, 2023

Media contact:
Ralph Bloemers, Executive Producer
hello@elementalfilm.com
503-504-2432
Images, clips available for broadcast.

 

Award-Winning Documentary “Elemental, Reimagine Wildfire” Premiering at Emerson Center

Bozeman, Montana – As fire season is underway, the critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE will premiere in Bozeman on July 26, 2023 at the Emerson Center, located a 111 S. Grand Ave. (ElementalFilm.com). Doors open at 6 PM, and the film starts at 6:30 PM.

The film will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer and featuring District Ranger Corey Lewellen, U.S. Forest Service; Jay Pape, Preparedness and Mitigation Manager for Gallatin County Emergency Management; George Wuerthner, Fire Ecologist; Zachary Krohn, Fire Management Officer, U.S. Forest Service; and Dustin Tetrault, Deputy Fire Chief for the Big Sky Fire Department.

Filmed in Oregon and narrated by David Oyelowo, ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE (84 min) takes viewers on a journey across the nation with the top experts to better understand fire and learn what we can all do to prepare. The film starts with the harrowing escape from Paradise, California as the town ignited from wind-driven embers and burned within a few hours of the fire’s start and then continues to recent record shattering fires in Oregon, California and Colorado. The film includes the voices of fire scientists, firefighters, home safety researchers, and explores what each of us can do to prepare our homes to be hardened against fire in the future.

“A very powerful film that evaluates how society should be investing in suppression and management strategies.  It takes a complex issue with multiple nuances, and breaks it down into a format that is easily absorbed.” (Chief Jesse Alexander, Yuba City Fire Department)

In the wake of deadly fires across the West, ELEMENTAL, REIMAGINE WILDFIRE provides us all with a deeper understanding of the events around use while offering real solutions to live with fire in a hotter drier world.

“Elemental beautifully presents the complexity of the wildfire challenges we face and crystalizes our choices going forward – the film is a must see for all Americans living in fire prone landscapes.”  (Jim Furnish, former Deputy Chief United States Forest Service)

Trip Jennings founded Balance Media and has worked with National Geographic for over a decade. He is the producer of the PBS Digital Series Weathered.  His films have won dozens of awards around the world and have aired on major networks on every continent.

Tickets available here: https://elemental-reimagine-wildfire-bozeman-emerson.eventbrite.com/

Press Kit (with production images, synopsis, director bios & headshots, broadcast clips): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JfnOQWApMFTQnNZiRqUvXe5ElwQqhu8W?usp=sharing

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PRESS RELEASE

Ridge Trail Rescue

On July 09, 2023, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a pair of hikers, one of which was dehydrated and out of water, on the Ridge Trail between Ross Peak and Sacajawea Peak in the Bridger Mountains.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to Brackett Creek Trailhead and deployed three teams.  Teams consisted of side by sides, four wheelers, and ground crews.  The hiker had cellphone reception and relayed information via text messages and phone calls.  Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue teams located the dehydrated hiker and provided food and water.  Once the patient regained strength and energy, GCSSAR teams walked the patient to the Ross Pass Trail and then transported by side by side to Brackett Creek Trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that long hikes can take more time than expected and can be exhausting.  Being prepared with extra food, water, and a communication device can be extremely helpful if your adventures don’t go as expected.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Sourdough Canyon Rescue

On July 6, 2023, at 8:20pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for an ATV rider who had become stranded in between Hyalite Canyon and Sourdough Canyon.

The ATV rider had departed the Lick Creek Trailhead before running out of fuel. The rider was then separated from their ATV by a mother black bear and two cubs. The rider hiked out to Sourdough Canyon and was without water or means of communication when located by another hiker.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead. GCSSAR deployed a hasty team up Sourdough Trail to attempt contact with the stranded individual.

The GCSSAR hasty team located the stranded rider approximately 4.5 miles up Sourdough Trail. The rider was assessed for injuries and transported to Sourdough Canyon Trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and always have a means of communication.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Gallatin River Rescue

On July 3, 2023, at 6:12 PM Gallatin County Dispatch received information that a family had overturned their paddle-board and were stranded on an island on the Gallatin River near Central Park Road. The family was unable to swim to shore due to the fast moving water conditions.

 

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the area. Volunteers reached the party on the island and assessed all members for injuries. One individual had an injured knee and required GCSSAR assistance to safely navigate the terrain. The rescue team was able to bring the family and injured person safely to shore where they were evaluated by members of Central Valley Fire Department and Manhattan Fire Department.

 

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind the public that rivers in Gallatin County, while beautiful and enjoyable, are powerful and sometimes conceal danger below the surface. Wearing proper flotation devices as well as packing appropriate clothing and gear for the worst conditions one may encounter is a good practice for staying safe.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

M Trail Rescue

On July 2, 2023 at 12:57 pm Gallatin County Dispatch received information that a family of 6 were lost while hiking the M Trail. The caller advised the family had run out of water and were stranded on a rocky portion of the mountain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the M Trailhead. Volunteers hiked in on foot and successfully located the stranded family. Search and Rescue volunteers escorted the family to the base of the trail head without incident.

Sheriff Springer reminds everyone to always carry enough food and water for an overnight hike, even if you only plan on a day hike, a device for navigation, whether that be a paper map or GPS device, and a charged cell phone to call for help should you need it.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: June 24, 2023

Shortly after 2 PM on Friday, June 23, Sheriff Dan Springer reports that the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident north of West Yellowstone at mile marker 37 on U.S. Highway 191.

The driver, 65-year-old Warren C. Johnson of Punta Gorda, Florida, was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center and later flown to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Billings. The female passenger, a 61-year-old Anne E. Johnson also Punta Gorda, Florida, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Montana Highway Patrol is conducting the crash investigation and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office coroners are conducting the death investigation.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Johnson family during this time.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please be advised law enforcement and first responders are on scene at a multiple vehicle accident south of Big Sky on US Hwy 191 Gallatin Road near Walton Mine Road. Limited traffic is able to pass in either direction at this time. Please avoid the canyon if possible and if travel is necessary, use caution and expect delays. We will provide updates as they become available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shortly before 9:00pm Thursday night deputies responded to an assault with a weapon in the Big Sky Town Center. The 33 year old female victim sustained a non-life threatening knife wound to her abdomen and was transported to Big Sky Medical Center and later to Bozeman Health Medical Center. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 26 year old Samantha Furgeson and 52 year old Justin Ruff for questioning regarding the incident. If you have information on the whereabouts of Ferguson or Ruff you are asked to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office  at 406-582-2100.

For immediate release: June 22, 2023

Media contact:
Brian Nickolay, Chief of Hyalite Fire District
bnickolay@hyalitefire.org
406-586-3770

Local Firefighters Train to Serve Montana During Upcoming Wildland Fire Season

**Reporters: Local firefighters who took part in the training will be available for interviews on Thursday, June 22 at 1:30 PM at Hyalite Fire Station at 4541 S. 3 rd Ave. in Bozeman.**

Firefighting personnel from across Gallatin County recently participated in a training to help them prepare to serve during the upcoming wildland fire season, both locally and across the state.

Firefighters and overhead management from Amsterdam, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Gateway, and Hyalite fire districts and Gallatin County Emergency Management attended the annual CAT camp, hosted by the Montana DNRC’s County Assist Team (CAT) in Helena June 9-11.

The CAT is an all-hazard incident management team containing members with a variety of backgrounds from across Montana that support local emergency responders when an incident (wildfire, flood, etc.) becomes too complex to manage locally.

The CAT camp gave local firefighters experience training on a large fire being managed by an incident management team.

Firefighters stayed in a simulated fire camp and practiced different tactics including digging fire line, deploying hose lays, performing back burns, mop up, and helicopter water drops, all with live fire training.

The training provided firefighters with skills to help with wildfires in our local area as well as anywhere else in Montana through the states strong mutual aid system.

Firefighters gained experience and knowledge in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

But they aren’t the only ones who can prepare for when wildfires return to Montana – everyone can play a part!

Everyone can help out by preparing homes now to protect them during a wildfire. Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles. Move flammable materials, such as mulch, firewood piles, leaves and needles away from wall exteriors. Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home. Get more tips at the Gallatin County Emergency Management website.

Practicing fire safety as the summer heats up and dries out is important to preventing wildfires.

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Photos courtesy of Montana DNRC:

For immediate release: June 16, 2023

In the early morning hours of Monday, June 5, 2023, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery at the Plaza Bar in Three Forks, Montana. Reports indicated that a subject entered the bar, sprayed the occupants with bear spray, stole money from behind the bar, and fled the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses described the offender as approximately 5 foot 8 inches with a light build wearing all black clothing. The vehicle was described as a light-colored hatchback SUV or van.

A total of eight people were treated for bear spray exposure. The investigation is ongoing at this time. Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 406-582-2121. The establishment is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction of those responsible.

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