Fire danger remains Very High on the Flathead National Forest and Missoula County fire protection agencies lowered the fire danger to "High" due to the recent cold front and moisture that visited the Missoula area on Labor Day. While fuels on the Flathead National Forest are very dry and susceptible to rapid fire spread once ignited, fuels in the Missoula area are predicted to dry out quickly with a predicted return of prolonged dry and warm weather. Fire agencies warn residents and visitors, especially hunters heading out into the field, that there is still an elevated threat from fire.
In the last week, the Flathead National Forest responded to three human-caused starts. Throughout the northwest zone, 13 new human-caused fire starts occurred in the last week.
In the Missoula area, 100% of the recent fires have been human-caused and were preventable.
"Large wildfires and evacuations occurring throughout Montana should remind us all that we need to remain vigilant about our sparks; fire season is still here," wrote the Missoula County Fire Protection Association in a press release.
Currently, critical resource shortages exist because most firefighting resources nationally are assigned to the many large fires burning in California, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, many local firefighters are assigned to fires currently threatening communities and other values at risk throughout Montana and Idaho.
Interagency fire managers ask the public to remain careful and smart when out recreating this fall.
"It's important for everyone locally to do their part to prevent human-caused fire starts," said acting Flathead National Forest Fire Management Officer Andy Huntsberger. "We need every resource available to help out our neighbors and the more we can do to limit our local fire response, the better."
People headed into forested areas including Continental Divide Trail hikers should also monitor InciWeb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) for trail and area closures, including Flathead National Forest fires Drumming, Garnet and Lion Creek currently burning in remote areas. Some fires in other parts of the state have also necessitated some closures and trail reroutes for recreationists.
Although there are no new fire restrictions in the Missoula area, outdoor burning by permit remains closed in Missoula County as well as in our surrounding counties. Visit FireRestrictions.us/mt to learn of fire restrictions in an area before recreating.
Cool, frosty September mornings also beg for a warming fire-but remember to never leave a campfire unattended. Campers should ensure they have enough water to completely drown campfires. Typically, it takes several gallons of water to completely put out a fire. Drown, stir, drown some more, then feel. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave.
Other tips to ensure one less spark, one less wildfire:
• Check to ensure trailer chains are not dragging as they can throw sparks and ignite dry roadside grasses.
• Smoke only in areas free of leaves, twigs and other forest fuels.
For more information on fire prevention visit www.MCFPA.org. Recreators are also encouraged to visit www.BeOutdoorSafe.org to plan a safe, fun visit to our incredible Montana wilds.
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