Hot, dry conditions continue to dry fuels out, prompting Missoula County fire protection agencies to raise the fire danger in the Missoula area to VERY HIGH, effective midnight Aug. 18. Very high fire danger means that fires start easily from all causes, and immediately spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. There are no new fire restrictions at this time and outdoor burning by permit remains closed in Missoula County as well as in our surrounding counties. Residents and visitors are urged to use extra caution when outdoors due to the dry fuels and to visit FireRestrictions.us/mt to learn of fire restrictions that are in place throughout Montana.
We all share the responsibility of good stewardship of our public lands. More than 60% of Missoula area fires are human caused. We can’t regulate the lightning, but we CAN control our sparks. Double-check to make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging; mow before 10 a.m. and remove rocks from your mowing path; ensure chainsaws and other equipment have approved spark arrestors; weld on a paved, enclosed area; always have a fire extinguisher ready; and always, ALWAYS, make sure that your campfire is DEAD OUT! Drown, stir, drown some more, then feel. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave. One less spark, one less wildfire!
For more information on fire prevention visit http://www.MCFPA.org. Recreators are also encouraged to visit http://www.BeOutdoorSafe.org to plan a safe, fun visit to our incredible Montana wilds.
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