Sustained cooler temperatures and increased fuel moistures have prompted fire protection agencies to lower the fire danger in Missoula County to HIGH, effective immediately. Caution when outdoors is still urged as when fire danger is high, dry grasses and needles ignite easily and fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. Unattended campfires are likely to escape and high intensity burning is likely to occur on slopes and concentrated grassy areas.
“There is still plenty of tall, dry grass—especially in our lower country—and record temperatures are threatening to return, so we need to continue to be very careful,” cautions Anna Henderson, Lolo National Forest Fire Prevention Specialist. “Overall, our public has been very responsive to our fire danger and kept our human caused fires from increasing but there are still abandoned/escaped campfires and illegal burning occurring. With hot and dry weather coming, we need to be diligent in doing our part to prevent wildfire starts.”
On average, three out of every four wildfires in Missoula County are human caused. Please keep Smokey Bear and Missoula County fire protection agencies happy by preventing a wildfire start. Enjoy the wonderful outdoors but attend a campfire and use established fire rings. Drown the campfire with water, stir the coals and embers, then drown again and make sure the campfire is cool to the touch before leaving it. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Recreational fires are illegal within Missoula City limits, and there are areas in Montana that are currently in fire restrictions, so be sure to know the rules and restrictions where you are playing. Visit http://www.MTFireInfo.org for more information on fire restrictions across Montana.
Equipment and vehicle sparks are also a top cause of wildfire. Be careful when mowing the lawn, field or dragging a trailer. Cut when conditions are cooler and there is no wind, and always have a fire extinguisher, water and tools nearby.
Trailer chains that are too long can drag on roadways and produce hundreds of sparks. Make sure safety chains are crossed and a minimum of five inches from the ground.
Please also do not burn any debris piles. Outdoor burning season is closed in Missoula County, so your burn permit is invalid. Visit MCFPA.org to learn more about outdoor burning seasons, rules and fire prevention tips.
One additional reminder: please do not fly drones over or near any active fires…if your drone is flying, our aerial resources trying to help fight the wildfire cannot fly!
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