SEELEY LAKE – With the smoke haze growing from large fires outside of the area, fire managers asks the community and visitors to continue to be diligent with fire. Fire danger remains Very High and outdoor burning is closed for the season. There are currently no restrictions in place.
Several fires have been reported this past week.
• The Elbow Lake Fire was reported around 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 23. The fire burned 0.7 of an acre in heavy dead and down fuels before being caught. The fire was caused by an abandoned and improperly extinguished campfire. One helicopter, three Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Engines and a DNRC Initial Attack Module responded to the fire. The fire is in patrol status.
• In the past seven days, DNRC fire crews have found five abandoned campfires in the Seeley Lake/Clearwater area.
• Since Friday, July 27, DNRC crews have responded to four lightning caused fires. The largest being the Garnet fire at a quarter of an acre. The other three fires were located in remote areas north of Seeley Lake. DNRC crews suppressed all three fires.
• The Seeley Lake Ranger District also responded to a 0.3 of an acre lightning fire in Colt Creek. As of Monday night, it is in extended attack with two engines and nine total personnel.
In regards to the abandoned campfires, DNRC Clearwater Unit Fire Manager Cory Calnan said it is imperative that recreationists drown campfires until they’re cold to the touch.
“Fire restrictions are likely coming soon with the continued hot and dry weather,” said Calnan. “High occurrences of abandoned campfires will lead fire officials to consider enacting fire restriction sooner. We want you to enjoy campfires this summer but please be careful!”
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