Clear skies and October snow have signaled the end to another wildfire season in Montana, but efforts to overhaul the way fires are fought in the West are set to continue through the winter.

Signs in the spring and early summer pointed to a destructive fire season ahead for much of Montana, with prolonged drought, bone-dry forests and an early loss of mountain snow. But state and federal officials say those fears went largely unrealized, thanks to unusually cool, wet weather later in the season.

“All indications and forecasts were calling for a busy and prolonged fire season for western Montana, with an early start to the season as well,” Montana Deputy State Forester Wyatt Frampton told state lawmakers last week.