Executive Order 14-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER PROCLAIMING AN EMERGENCY TO EXIST IN THE STATE OF MONTANA

WHEREAS, extremely hazardous wildland fire conditions currently exist throughout the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, the hot and dry conditions are predicted to continue through the summer months; and

WHEREAS, numerous wildland fires have occurred in the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, an aggressive Initial Attack on all wildland fire starts has been the top priority of all fire fighting forces; and

WHEREAS, this aggressive Initial Attack has considerably reduced the number of large wildland fires which in turn has provided a significant reduction in the damage to both public and private property; and

WHEREAS, a continued aggressive Initial Attack on all future wildland fire starts is needed to protect the lives and property in the state: and

WHEREAS, additional state resources are needed to reinforce Montana's Initial Attack capabilities and support large wildland fires should they occur; and

WHEREAS, wildland fires have been and are currently burning and have created an imminent threat of a disaster which timely actions can avert or minimize; and

WHEREAS, these conditions authorize the Governor to mobilize state resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health and property and authorize the Governor under section 10-3-311 and 10-3-312, MCA, to expend funds to meet contingencies and needs that may arise from the emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me pursuant to the Montana Constitution, Title 10, Chapter 3, MCA, and under other applicable laws of the State of Montana, do hereby declare that an emergency exists in the State of Montana as defined in Section 10-3-103, MCA, and Section 10-3-302, MCA.

This Order is effective July 18, 2003.