Gallatin Media Center

On August 26th, 2025 at 12:25pm the Hyalite Fire District was dispatched for a report of a wildland fire in the area of 9400 Nash Road. Hyalite Fire responded and arrived on scene to find an approximately one acre wildland fire burning in grass and mixed brush. The fire was threatening several structures including primary residences. Given the threat to structures Hyalite Fire requested mutual aid from several neighboring fire agencies. The fire was brought under control at 2:00pm and had burned two acres. No injuries were reported although one landowner was treated for possible smoke inhalation but not transported to the hospital. No structures were damaged as a result of the fire although several fences were damaged. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The Hyalite Fire District was assisted by the City of Bozeman Fire Department, Fort Ellis Fire Service Area, Gallatin Gateway Fire District, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and American Medical Response. In all six brush wildland engines, five water tenders, two incident command vehicles, one structure fire engine, five sheriff deputies, and one ambulance responded. The Hyalite Fire District thanks our mutual partners for helping with this incident. As a reminder to the public please use caution during wildfire season and report any fire as early as possible.

For Immediate Release: August 21, 2025

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Rainbow Point Campground area. Routine monitoring of Hebgen has confirmed the presence of anatoxin-a which poses a risk to people, pets, and livestock.

Advisory signs are at public access points in the Rainbow Point Campground area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water in these areas.

Click here to read the full press release. 

For immediate release: Aug. 20, 2025

For immediate release: Aug. 19, 2025

Multiple agencies are responding to a wildfire burning in a remote area about 20 miles south of Big Sky. 

The West Fork Fire was reported shortly before 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and produced a large smoke column visible from Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The fire is located in the South Madison Range, just north of the Beaver Creek Forest Service cabin on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. As of 7:30 PM, it was estimated at approximately 50 acres. The cause remains unknown. 

At this time, the fire does not pose a threat to Big Sky. 

A Red Flag warning remains in effect through 10 PM on Wednesday. Weather will include hot temperatures, breezy winds and low humidities. 

Please stay out of the Taylor Fork and Beaver Creek areas until further notice. While no official Forest Service closures are in place at this time, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area. 

Agencies assisting on the fire include the U.S. Forest Service, Big Sky Fire Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Hebgen Basin Fire District, and West Yellowstone Police Department. 

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available. 

Sign up for emergency alerts through the Gallatin County Community Notification System at www.readygallatin.com/public-warning/community-notification-system. 

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For immediate release: Aug. 16, 2025

Gallatin County, Mont. – The Gallatin County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Friday evening in Bozeman.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Keanen Schroeder of Bozeman. Schroeder died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. Next of kin have been notified.

The crash occurred near the intersection of 19th Avenue and Stucky Road. The incident is under investigation by the Bozeman Police Department with assistance from the Montana Highway Patrol.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Schroeder during this difficult time.

Shortly after 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad responded to an accident involving a pedestrian that was struck by a train. The female was identified as 20-year-old Anna Steigerwald of Littleton, CO. who died after being struck by the train.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all affected by the tragic loss of Anna.

For immediate release: August 15, 2025

The Gallatin City-County Health Department has been notified of a suspected HAB in Hyalite Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Heather Lake in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and in Elk Grove Pond, south of the Four Corners area. Water samples were collected and have been sent to labs for verification.

Click here to read the entire press release. 

For immediate release: Aug. 11, 2025

The death on August 10, 2025, outside of Walmart in Bozeman has been classified as suicide. The male has been identified as 61-year-old Roland Nelson of Bozeman.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer wishes to express his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roland Nelson.

Please remember to talk with someone or call 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

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The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a recent string of vehicle break-ins that have occurred in the River Rock Subdivision over the past several nights. Multiple residents have reported vehicles being entered and personal property stolen.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents and visitors to take proactive steps to prevent further incidents.

 Safety Reminders:

• Always lock your vehicle, even if parked in your driveway or directly outside your home.
• Remove valuables such as wallets, purses, electronics, and keys from vehicles.
• Never leave firearms in vehicles overnight.
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 406-582-2100 or 911 if a crime is in progress.
• Consider installing security cameras or motion-activated lights to deter criminal activity.

For immediate release: Aug. 7, 2025

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963 (cell)
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Seeks Public Input on Short-Term Rentals in Four Corners

The Gallatin County Commission is inviting the public to a community meeting to share updates and gather more feedback on a proposed zoning change for the Four Corners area. The proposal would set rules for short term rentals, like vacation rentals, and outline where they would be allowed in the Four Corners Zoning District.