(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus highlighted Montana DNRC Rural Fire Specialist, Jaxson O'Brien of Billings as part of his 2012 Montana Wildfire Heroes Initiative.  O'Brien was helping evacuate cattle for a local rancher south of the town of Musselshell as a front of flames approached on Saturday August 25^th, 2012. From a rise, he spotted a cow that appeared to be stuck as the fire moved within 75 yards of the animal. O'Brien quickly drove his truck into the draw and realized the cow had just dropped a newborn calf. He carried the newborn calf and hazed the mother cow to a blackened area of land, where they waited together as the flame front moved around them. O'Brien then brought the cow and the newborn calf to safety.

"Jaxson's quick thinking and undying spirit make him a real Montana hero.  He exemplifies the commitment and dedication all of our firefighters have shown in the face of this year's tragic wildfire season.  I'm proud to honor his work and highlight the spirit of working together to help a neighbor and get the job done," said Baucus.

Like many wildland firefighters, O'Brien has been working 80 to 100 hours per week as wildfires have gripped much of the state.

"I'm not much of a cowboy, but I knew I had to help out when I saw that cow and her calf in danger.  I know any of the ranchers, volunteers and others on the crew would have done the same thing - I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," said O'Brien. "I have a huge appreciation for all the local volunteer firefighters - the men and the women who volunteer countless hours to help out are all heroes in my mind."

The Delphia Fire, which broke out August 24^th, is 95 percent contained and has torched 40,653 acres. Wildfires have burned more than 750,000 acres in Montana this year and currently there are ten large fires actively burning across the state.

In his ongoing effort to make sure Montana's wildfire season receives priority status at the national level, Baucus' 2012 Wildfire Heroes Initiative draws attention to people who have gone the extra mile to help their neighbors or strangers through the 2012 wildfire season.

Montanans can submit hero nominations on Baucus' Wildfire Resource Guide which is a one-stop-shop for Montanans impacted by wildfires.