Libby fire officials exploring annexation of stretch of Kootenai River Road

Libby fire officials seek to gauge public support for the annexation of the area along Kootenai River Road from Bobtail Creek to Bighorn Terrace.

If approved by residents and fire and county officials, the project would extend tax-supported fire protection to about 150 properties and potentially lower insurance rates for those property owners.

Libby Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Wood and First Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Steven Lauer said they are researching a handful of sites for the proposed annex station. Their aim is to locate it within 5 miles of area residents, a specification they say might enable reductions in home insurance rates.

The department would assign a fire engine, water tender and at least six firefighters to the station, Wood said.

According to state law, the annexation must receive the support of “the owners of 40 percent or more of the real property within the proposed area to be annexed and owners of property representing 40 percent or more of the taxable value of property within the proposed area.”

If residents show sufficient support, the next step would be for the Board of Trustees of the Lincoln County Rural Fire District to vote on the annexation. If the board approves it, the matter would go to the Lincoln County Commission for its consideration.

Wood said if the project receives sufficient support, the annex could be built and running within six months.

Wood and Lauer will contact the area’s residents in person or on the phone within 30 days. They invite people to call the fire station at 406-293-9217, Wood at 406-293-1606 or Lauer at 406-283-1883.