Impacts of the 2000 wildfires on Montana's forest industry employment

The wildfires of 2000 impacted about 600,000 acres of Montana's forests, destroyed homes, and disrupted lives, yet overall impacts on forest industry employment were minimal. Declining production and sales of wood products were primarily due to weaker U.S. and global economies, high electricity prices, and weak markets, rather than wildfires. Forest closures during the fire season halted timber harvesting and recreational activities. However, many workers remained employed in fire suppression or related activities. Despite minimal impacts on industry employment in 2000, extensive threats remain until existing hazard is addressed at a strategic level.