Dedicated to Your Protection.
A Background in Fire Behavior
Eric Wright founded Missoula Defensible Space to bridge the gap between frontline fire experience and residential property protection. His work is rooted in a deep respect for the forests and communities he serves, prioritizing the health of the land alongside its safety.
From the Frontlines to Your Property. As a U.S. military veteran and former U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter, Eric has spent years working in high-risk fire environments across the West. After multiple seasons on the fireline, he transitioned his focus to prevention, bringing professional-grade mitigation standards to homeowners in Western Montana.
Expertise You Can Trust. He has seen firsthand how fire moves through untreated timber and knows exactly what it takes to stop it. This experience allows him to look at a landscape not just as a yard, but as a dynamic environment where precise thinning and fuel reduction can make the difference between a loss and a “save.”
“We get there before the fire does.”
The Standards of Stewardship
Because we understand fire behavior, we don’t just clear land, we improve it. Our work is guided by three core principles:
Forest Health First
We view your property as a living ecosystem. Our thinning process prioritizes the “Legacy” trees, the large, fire-resistant ponderosas and western larches, while removing the suppressed and volatile undergrowth that threatens them.
Precision Over Production
Unlike heavy-machinery clearing that can scar the land, our approach is surgical. We focus on “ladder fuel” removal and crown spacing that meets the highest Firewise® standards while maintaining the natural privacy and character of your acreage.
Complete Fuel Removal
Mitigation isn’t finished until the fuel is off the property. We specialize in the “final mile” of the job, ensuring that every limb and bush cleared is chipped, hauled, or disposed of properly so that no hazardous “slash” remains.
Specialized Operations & Remote Access
On-Site Operations
For extended projects, we are equipped to camp on-site. This eliminates daily travel time and ensures our energy is focused on your project.
Mountain Terrain Expertise
We specialize in off-grid or high-elevation properties that require specialized knowledge of Montana’s rugged landscape.
Consultation & Estimates
Every project, regardless of location, begins with a thorough on-site consultation to discuss your goals and the specific needs of your forest.
Ready to Implement Your Mitigation Plan?
Schedule a private consultation to review your property goals and discuss how our specialized labor aligns with local subsidy program requirements.
The Implementation Consult Includes:
- Project Mapping: Converting your official assessment into a tactical work plan.
- Execution Strategy: Pinpointing the specific zones requiring immediate thinning or clearing.
- Reimbursement Alignment: Ensuring our work meets the Firewise standards necessary for potential cost-share eligibility.
Missoula Defensible Space is a private contractor. Official risk assessments for grant eligibility are handled directly through Missoula Fire Ready or the DNRC.
