MISSOULA — Missoula City Councilwoman Heather Harp says Thursday evening's fire on Mount Sentinel was a "perfect example" of the 'heroic acts" of first responders -- and a reminder of why it's important to fully fund infrastructure.
Harp was among the thousands of people stopping to watch as a fast-moving fire burned up the west slope of Mount Sentinel.
It's not the first time to the mountain has burned in the summer and Harp said the quick, multiagency response underscores the importance of the city continuing to fully fund emergency services -- especially at a time when there's considerable debate over that funding.
"I mean this is just, couldn't be more timely to have something like this happen in our backyard where I know we've had a lot of emotional discussions about what we should be investing in," Harp said. "All of that matters. But right now these men and women are saving our community and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart."
Harp believes that the importance of community safety spreads across all services Missoula provides.
