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Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee to look at zone change for new fire station

TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 3 weeks AGO
by TAYLOR INMAN
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | February 24, 2026 11:05 PM

A zone change requested by the Bigfork Fire District and continued discussion about updates to the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan are on the agenda for Thursday’s Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee meeting.

The Bigfork Fire District, with technical assistance from Sands Surveying Inc., is requesting a zone change for its property located at 925 Chapman Hill Rd. Near Bigfork, where a new fire station will be built.  

Last fall, voters approved a $15 million bond to fund the construction of a new fire station on the district’s 8.65 acres, which was purchased in 2018. The new station will include five pull-through apparatus bays, a decontamination wash bay, new offices, a wing for firefighter barracks, a medical aid room and an emergency helicopter pad.    

The district is requesting a zone change on the property from R-2 One Family Limited Residential to B-2 General Business in the Bigfork Zoning District.  

In addition to the zone change request is another workshop on the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan, which the committee has been working on updating in sections over the last year.  

Committee members are also going to discuss the election of two positions on the BLUAC board, as well as the appointment of a member-at-large and a recording secretary.  

Anyone interested in learning more about these open positions can email committee member Shelley Anderson at [email protected]

The advisory committee meets Thursday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church on Montana 35 in Bigfork.

Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].

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