Forest officials warn about human-caused fires

Flathead National Forest officials say more than a dozen human-caused fire starts have been reported this year.

Nationwide, more than 75,000 wildfires are reported each year. About nine out of 10 fires are caused by people.

Human-caused wildfires destroy natural resources, put the public and firefighters in danger, destroy homes and habitat, and cost taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

Forest Service officials remind visitors:

• Never leave a camp fire unattended, and be sure it’s “dead out” before leaving the area.

• Have a bucket and shovel handy when building a camp fire.

• Cigarette smokers should smoke on bare ground or soil, not in or near vegetation, and pack out their cigarette butts.

• Fireworks are prohibited in all national forests, national parks, state lands and all private land the state identifies as classified forest land.

For more information about wildland fire education and prevention, visit online at www.fs.fed.us/fire/prev_ed or contact a local Flathead National Forest office.