Recent conditions have allowed for fire restrictions to be removed and for fire danger to move down to high.
Editor's note: Shortly after this story was published, fire danger was reduced to moderate in Missoula County. Fire danger on the Lolo National Forest was also moved to moderate. Stay up to date on fire danger, restrictions and evacuation notices at mtfireinfo.org.
In the last few weeks, Missoula County has seen an increase in precipitation and cooler temperatures. The change in conditions caused fire danger in Missoula County to be moved from extreme to high on Aug. 5.
The decreased fire danger has allowed for stage two fire restrictions to be lifted. As of Friday, Aug. 9, there are no fire restrictions in Missoula County. The Lolo National Forest and Flathead National Forest have also been relieved of restrictions. Some portions of northwest Montana, including Lake, Lincoln and Sanders Counties, remain under stage one restrictions. Outdoor burning in Missoula County remains closed.
While the changes in conditions have been positive, it is still important for people to stay alert and aware of fire danger. The Missoula County Fire Protection Association states that when fire danger is high, fires can ignite and spread easily. They can also become hard to control if they aren't immediately addressed.
Fire season isn't over yet, and there is a possibility that fire danger will increase again.
"While our temperatures are cooler and much of Missoula County has received measurable moisture, we are still dry," said Kristen Mortenson, fire prevention specialist with Montana's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Southwestern Office. She said the county is still experiencing a severe state of drought that will require "long periods of sustained moisture to recover from."
As of Aug. 12, there are currently 51 wildfires burning in Montana. One of those fires is the Miller Peak Fire, south of Missoula, which is 86% contained and has burned 2,724.
For up to date information about fire restrictions, fire danger levels and a current fire map, visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ .
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