About the Purdy Fire

In the early morning hours of September 26, 2001, firefighters responded to a lightning strike fire just south of Bozeman, Montana, near the top of Purdy Creek.

So began a savage fire that raged for two weeks in the heart of Gallatin National Forest. When it was over, the Purdy Fire had consumed some 5,000 acres of public, state, and private lands.

In one day, firefighters dropped over 240,000 gallons of water and 96,000 gallons of retardant to combat this devastating fire that at one time traveled 3½ miles in 3 hours!

Today, the Gallatin National forest is working with The Arbor Day Foundation to repopulate burned areas.

Every tree that you plant in celebration of a person or event is a tree that brings renewal to a beautiful forest, provides immediate and lasting benefit to the environment, and stands as a living reminder of your tribute for generations to come.