MISSOULA - In response to higher fuel moistures and sustained cooler temperatures, Missoula County fire protection agencies have lowered the fire danger to Moderate, effective immediately. Fall prescribed wildland and essential agriculture burning, that closed last week, remains closed. Forecasted weather includes cooler temperatures throughout the area for this upcoming week, but also breezy/windy conditions daily and a mostly dry cold front coming in Wednesday.
“Caution is still warranted with any spark right now—but especially when breezy and dry conditions are expected,” warns Kristin Mortenson, DNRC-SWLO Fire Prevention Specialist.
Since the beginning of the year, Montana has experienced 2,208 wildland fires that have burned nearly 850,000 acres. Missoula County has had 113 wildland fires in 2021 so far; 65% of which have been human caused. Illegal debris burning is the leading cause. Abandoned campfires are another leading cause of wildfire in the Missoula area—especially in the fall with hunters scattered afield.
Missoula County fire protection agencies recognize that when the days are cooler, and the feel of fall is in the air, residents and visitors may be tempted to leave that warming campfire smoldering or burn that pile of yard debris that has been growing over the summer.
Fire professionals caution, however, that conditions are still dry overall and in moderate fire danger, fires will still start from most accidental causes. Although intensity may be more moderate, it can still burn very hot! Do not get complacent and remember that it is illegal to burn your backyard pile of leaves and vegetative debris.
When fall outdoor burning is opened again, the only burning that will be allowed will be prescribed wildland and essential agricultural burning. All outdoor burning in Missoula County is by permit only, and the General Burning Season (burning of yard debris/untreated vegetative waste generated onsite) is closed until March 1, 2022.
Visit http://www.MissoulaCounty.us/airquality or http://www.MCFPA.org for more information on outdoor burning seasons, permits, and current restrictions.
As you head out and enjoy our cooler temps and public lands this fall, be sure to Know Before You Go and visit http://www.MTFireInfo.org for information on active wildland fires and current fire restrictions in place across Montana.
Reader Comments(0)