Hot Montana Firefighter Calendar Raising Money for Great Cause

Sorry for the borderline clickbait.

Clickbait articles aren't really what we do here, so I'll apologize right off the bat for the slightly misleading headline. If you came here for hunky, half-naked firemen, you'll have to keep browsing. However, the firefighters featured in this just-released 2023 calendar are certainly familiar with heat, and the fundraiser is a great way to support local volunteer firemen (and women) in the Billings area.

Hometown heroes.

You may recall the story of Red Lodge volunteer firefighter Dan Steffensen, who suffered excruciating third-degree burns on 48% of his body while fighting the Harris Fire near Joliet last summer (2021).  Steffensen credits PPE (personal protective gear) for saving his life. The fireman spent months in the Salt Lake City burn center recovering from his injuries. Watch a short video for the Yellowstone County Fire Council calendar fundraiser below.

PPE is expensive.

Many rural and small communities around Montana rely on volunteer firefighters and frequently these volunteers fight fires in blue jeans, according to Yellowstone County Fire Council. Head-to-toe PPE gear can cost up to $1,000 and VFD members are often tasked with purchasing their own supplemental gear.

Sales of the $20 calendars help buy gear.

The wall calendars feature photo collages from various local fire departments on each page, with lots of great pics of our firefighters in action. They're available at Billings area Ace Hardware stores, Shipton's Big R, Town and Country Supply stores, Tractor Supply, and online at Yellowstone County Fire Council. Firefighter Dan Steffensen will be stopping by our studios next week, watch for an update about his courageous story.