A Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighter has been named the state's 2019 firefighter of the year.

The Independent Records reports 36-year-old Chris Spliethof of Helena has served with the department since 2008.

Spliethof's most recent post has been as the acting fire management officer for the Helena area.

Spliethof served as the incident commander for the initial stage of the North Hills Fire in the mountains north of Helena in July.

Spliethof oversaw the fire program at the Central Land Office in Helena, which included examining fires and ordering necessary resources.

More From KMMS-KPRK 1450 AM