Fire danger moved to “Very High”

Fire officials on Tuesday moved the fire danger level for the Flathead to “Very High.”

Fire managers made the decision due to recent prolonged high temperatures, grasses and forest fuels that are drying quickly, according to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Without any precipitation in the forecast, this trend will continue, the release notes.

While conditions are dry across northwest Montana, folks are asked to check with the appropriate land management agency or www.firerestrictions.us and know the current status of any fire restrictions in the area.

The Kootenai National Forest and Libby area will be entering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, July 27.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except with a developed recreation site or improved site, and Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared all flammable materials.

Northwest Montana saw 16 fires in the past week and all were human-caused including illegal debris burning, dragging chains, campfires, and cigarettes.

The Interagency Restrictions Group would like folks to remember:

- Dragging trailer chains send sparks that may ignite fast-growing roadside fires. When pulling a trailer, adjust chains so they are not dragging.

- Never leave a campfire unattended. Use water and dirt to put out a campfire and do not leave until it is cold to the touch.

- Do not park vehicles in dry grass. Dry grass may ignite and cause a quickly growing wildfire.

- There is no debris burning allowed during fire season in northwest Montana.