Community Briefs

Human-Caused Fires Start Local Fire Season

SEELEY LAKE – The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Clearwater Unit has responded to four human-caused fires since July 1.

Fireworks caused three of the fires. None of them grew more than an acre.

The Woodworth Fire started July 5 off Woodworth Road. It grew to 1.3 acres before being controlled. The cause is still under investigation.

"Things are QUICKLY drying out and fire danger is rapidly increasing," wrote DNRC Fire Unit Supervisor Cory Calnan. "As we begin into the hottest and driest part of the summer, take the time to ensure that your home is fire safe and ready for the rest of fire season!"

I Ride Vans Named

SEELEY LAKE - The two vans that serve in the Seeley Lake Community Foundation vanpool fleet can now be called by name. SLCF held a naming contest during the month of June and selected the winners just in time for the Fourth of July parade.

Van Go, submitted by Tim Berry, and Flo, submitted by Anne Beach, were selected as the winners. Vans were emblazoned with the new names and were driven in the parade, proudly showing off their new identities.

Fire Danger Moves to Very High in Missoula County – Outdoor Burning Remains Closed

MISSOULA - Interagency wildland fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) are reporting fire danger indices within Missoula County to be VERY HIGH. 

Recent weeks have seen record-setting high temperatures and grasses continuing to cure. This fine, dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland and when fires get established in this fuel type they spread out of control rapidly. Multiple grass fires, caused by human behavior (cigarette butts thrown into dry grass, unattended campfires, fireworks, debris burning and vehicle fires) have escaped initial attack in the last week across the Northern Rockies, some transitioning into the forest with rapid rates of spread. 

After a wet spring, dead fuels have dried to the point that fires will quickly spread out of the control of initial attack resources. Lightning and extreme fire danger are in the immediate forecast, and firefighters are busy with recent starts.

Outdoor debris burning by permit has been closed in Missoula County since July 1, and outdoor burning in Ravalli County will close at 12:01 a.m. on July 13. 

Residents need to know that wildland firefighters face a long, arduous fire season even without having to respond to human-caused fires. Everyone needs to take special care when engaged in activities that could ignite a wildfire. Remember: one less spark, one less wildfire.

Even though wildfire agencies have not implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions at this time, everyone is encouraged to bookmark http://www.firerestrictions.us for the most up-to-date information regarding restrictions and burn bans. Also like the Missoula County Fire Protection Association on Facebook and get information at http://www.mcfpa.org.

Shintangle! A Swan Valley Summer Celebration, July 20

Swan Valley - Swan Valley Connections is pleased to announce their Swan Valley Shintangle fundraiser Thursday, July 20, 6 p.m. at the Condon Ball Field, mile marker 43 Hwy 83. The event will feature a barbecue dinner, raffle drawings and square dancing music by The Beet Tops.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at Swan Valley Connections in Condon or online at SwanValleyConnections.org/Events.

The Swan Valley Shintangle will be held rain or shine. For details call 406-754-3137.

Hand Drumming & Rhythm Exploration Workshop for Older Adults, July 20

MISSOULA - Experience the joy of community music-making. Recent research has shown that drumming reduces stress and generates feelings of relaxation and focus. Don't miss this special introductory opportunity for adults 50 and older to experience the power of rhythm and connection in a drumming group.

The Resource Center at Missoula Aging Services (MAS) is offering a Hand Drumming & Rhythm Exploration Workshop on Thurs., July 20 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. Taught by Matthew Marsolek and Tracy Topp of Drum Brothers, participants will learn beginning rhythms and explore the techniques and polyrhythmic interplay of West African drumming. Drums will be provided. Donations are accepted.

Please register online at https://handdrummingmas.eventbrite.com, or call MAS at 728-7682. The workshop is in collaboration with AARP Montana and the Missoula Senior Center.

Grizzly Relocated After Killing Chickens

OVANDO - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife officials captured a young male grizzly bear last week that was chasing and killing free-ranging chickens in Kleinschmidt Flats, east of Ovando.

The bear did not have a prior history of interactions with livestock or humans and was collared and relocated to a remote area in the southern Mission Mountains.

Wildlife officials are now working to help the landowner evaluate how an electric fence could help to keep bears away from the chickens.

FWP Bear Management Specialist James Jonkel said that electric fences can be very effective in deterring bears from chickens and other small livestock, garbage, beehives, fruit trees and other sources of enticing od ors.

Find out more at fwp.mt.gov or call 406-542-5500.

Missoula County Sheriff's Office Call Activity 6/27/17 – 7/9/17

6/27, 10:14 p.m .: Woodworth Road and Highway 83: Accident, No Injury.

6/28, 7:55 p.m .: Boy Scout Road, Seeley Lake: Disorderly Conduct.

6/29, 11:30 a.m .: Clearwater Junction, Greenough: Disorderly Conduct.

6/29, 12:55 p.m .: 37XX Boy Scout Road, Seeley Lake: Theft.

6/30, 10:08 a.m .: 2XX School Lane, Seeley Lake: Vandalism.

6/30, 1:49 p.m .: 4X mile marker Highway 83: Accident, No Injury.

7/1, 12:32 p.m .: Placid Lake Road, Seeley Lake. Disorderly Conduct

7/1, 10:14 p.m .: Double K Lane, Seeley Lake: Disturbance.

7/2, 12:22 a.m .: 42XX Highway 83: Disorderly Conduct

7/2, 1:06 a.m .: Highway 83 and Lindbergh Lake Road: Assault

7/2, 3:02 a.m .: Highway 83 and Charles Road: Accident, Injury.

7/2, 5:36 p.m .: Tamarack Drive & Cedar Lane, Seeley Lake: Disorderly Conduct.

7/3, 12:15 a.m .: Boy Scout Road and Highway 83, Seeley Lake: Suspicious Activity.

7/3, 11:20 a.m .: Lindbergh Lake Road and Highway 83: Assault.

7/4, 12:07 p.m .: 34XX Boy Scout Road, Seeley Lake: Disturbance.

7/4, 2:14 a.m .: 6XX Pine Drive, Seeley Lake: Suspicious Activity.

7/4, 5:36 p.m .: 5XX Lars Kramen Lane, Seeley Lake: Accident, Injury.

7/4, 6:55 p.m .: 35XX Highway 83, Seeley Lake: Accident, Hit-and-Run.

7/4, 8:21 p.m .: Shoreline Court, Seeley Lake: Accident, No Injury.

7/6, 1:33 p.m .: 31XX Highway 83: Driving Under the Influence.

7/6, 8:07 p.m .: 474XX Highway 200E: Civil.

7/7, 12:24 a.m .: 133XX Vannoy Lane, Greenough: Disorderly Conduct.

7/7, 9:25 p.m .: 3X mile marker Highway 200, Greenough: Disturbance.

7/7, 10:29 p.m .: 59XX Boy Scout Road, Seeley Lake: Suspicious Activity.

7/7, 11:00 p.m .: 59XX Boy Scout Road, Seeley Lake: Disorderly Conduct.

7/8, 3:06 p.m .: 31XX Highway 83, Seeley Lake: Accident, Hit-and-Run.

7/8, 8:51 p.m .: 3X MM Highway 200, Greenough: Accident, Injury.

7/8, 9:28 p.m .: Placid Lake Campground, Seeley Lake: Disturbance.

7/9, 2:35 p.m .: Cold Creek Road, north of Condon: Accident, Hit-and-Run.