Missoula Fire Department

625 E. Pine St., Missoula, MT 59802

(406) 552-6210 voice, (406) 552-6184 fax

Informational Release - For Immediate Broadcast

To: All Media Outlets

From: Chad Kidd, B Shift Battalion Chief

Re: Multiple River Rescue Responses

Date: 5/5/2023

Location: Clark Fork River, near Russell Street Bridge

Time of call: Incident 1- 18:57 (on 5/3/2023); Incident 2- 9:22 (on 5/4/2023)

Number of units: Two engines, ladder truck, command, water rescue apparatus,
rescue swimmers.

Fatalities/Injuries: None

Additional Information:
At approximately 19:54 on Wednesday, May 3, the Missoula Fire Department (MFD)
received a dispatch for an individual who had self-reported that they had been camping
on an island in the Clark Fork River near the Russell Street bridge. The individual was
concerned about being swept away by the rising water levels. MFD personnel mobilized
several crews, rescue swimmers, and water rescue apparatus. Upon arriving on scene, the
individual indicated that they did not want to be rescued. Following an assessment of the
scene and the individual’s insistence that they did not want rescue support, MFD crews
did not render rescue service.

MFD’s Mobile Support Team was also on scene and offered temporary shelter services
(hotel lodging), an opportunity to relocate, a life vest, and mental health services. All
services were also refused by the individual.

The next morning at approximately 9:30 on Thursday, May 4, MFD received a dispatch for
the same location and individual. The individual indicated that their camp had flooded.
MFD personnel mobilized several crews, rescue swimmers, and water rescue apparatus.
The individual was rescued safely and brought to shore where they were assessed, found
to be in stable condition, and released with no further assistance needed.
Safety Message:
High water levels on rivers can be extremely dangerous during the spring months. Heavy
rainfall, snowmelt, and other factors can cause rivers to swell and become fast-moving,
powerful currents that can sweep you up and quickly downstream. Please take caution
when near rivers during this time and avoid entering the water altogether, if possible.