Fire danger ramps up as area dries out

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Northwest Montana is heading into the thick of fire season and folks are being urged to make sure all campfires are dead out and cold to the touch.

In addition, there is absolutely no open burning in Flathead County through September, fire officials note.

On average, there's been one human caused fire in the valley every day. The weather forecast doesn't appear to be helping the fire risk, either. The forecast is calling for hot, dry weather with highs in the 80s and 90s and a slight risk of thunderstorms, though it should cool off a bit by Sunday.

The area is still in a drought. For the year, the valley is running 2.58 inches below normal and almost 4 inches below normal for the water year, which runs from September to October.

While grass may look green, it's drying out rapidly, Flathead national Forest spokeswoman Denise Germann said.

She said earlier in the week near Evergreen a hay operation started a fire. When that's happening, you know it's dry, she said.

Abandoned campfires, escaped burns, discarded cigarettes and sparks from chainsaws and other combustible engines appear to be the ignition for many recent fires.

Chainsaws, motorcycles and other power equipment should have spark arresters. When cutting wood, it's also a good idea to keep an eye on the area after cutting in case a fire does start, and to take enough water with you to put it out.

Folks are also urged to report any smoke. They can do that by calling 911.

Currently the Flathead has no active fires, but other regions in the southern end of the state have been battling blazes. The largest blaze close to this area was at Lindbergh Lake. Rain helped put that fire out and at about 60 acres.