Firefighters keep fires small

SEELEY LAKE - The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Southwestern Land Office ended last week with 17 fires--12 lightning and five human caused. All are controlled or out except for the Elevation Mountain fire, which started Aug. 8 in the BLM Wilderness Study Area southeast of Greenough.

The Elevation Mountain fire is approximately 10 acres, burning in heavy timber with a lot of dead and down fuels in rough and remote terrain. Two hot shot crews, the Deer Lodge prison crew, six jumpers, and a few overhead are working to contain and control it. Aggressive fire behavior on Saturday was met with aggressive initial attack, especially from the air with multiple retardant drops.  Arrival of dry cold front Tuesday evening into Wednesday is expected and accompanying winds could increase complexity.

The area remains in High fire danger. Visit FireRestrictions.us for current restrictions in your area. Although no campfire restrictions are currently in place in the area, debris burning is closed and residents and visitors are encouraged to remain cautious with campfires and while using equipment.

The extended outlook calls for hot, dry conditions to prevail and above normal fire potential for our area. Everyone is asked to do their our part to minimize our sparks: One less spark, one less wildfire!

Planning on camping? Visit BeOutdoorSafe.org for tips on being a good steward while enjoying our public lands…and remember, a campfire that’s been burning for a few hours can exceed 900 degrees Fahrenheit! Drown out that campfire and if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!