MISSOULA - Interagency wildland fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) are reporting fire danger indices within Missoula County to be VERY HIGH. Outdoor debris burning by permit has been closed in Missoula County since July 2.
Future forecasts call for hot and dry conditions without moisture. After a wet spring, fuels have dried to the point that fires will quickly spread out of the control of initial attack resources. Fine dead fuels are the primary carrier of fire in the wildland. When fires get established in this fuel type they spread out of control rapidly.
This past week there have been multiple fires. Nine of the 14 wildfires reported on the Lolo National Forest, in Missoula County, on the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal land and in the protection of the South West Land Office DNRC, have been human caused (unattended campfires, debris burning, harvesting equipment and vehicle fires).
Residents need to know that wildland firefighters face a long, arduous fire season even without having to respond to human-caused fires. Everyone needs to take special care when engaged in activities that could ignite a wildfire. Remember: one less spark, one less wildfire. If you’re towing a trailer during the summer season, please make sure the trailer is well maintained and that you are not dragging trailer chains.
Even though wildfire agencies have not implemented fire restrictions at this time, everyone is encouraged to bookmark www.firerestrictions.us for the most up-to-date information regarding restrictions and burn bans. Folks can also like the Missoula County Fire Protection Association on Facebook, and get information on our webpage http://www.mcfpa.org.
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