Fire danger remains moderate

MISSOULA - Recent widespread rain, interagency wildland fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) are reporting lower fire danger indices within Missoula County. The fire danger rating was lowered to MODERATE last week. Indices dipped into the LOW range briefly this week, but with a return to seasonal temperatures today and through the weekend, fire danger remains MODERATE at this time.

The move does not indicate an end to fire season. Grass and other fine fuels can dry quickly with a return to seasonally warm and dry conditions. Wind can also dry fine fuels quickly.

However, fire danger levels have dropped to the point that allows for two of the three burn categories to be permitted in Missoula County, effective immediately: essential agriculture and prescribed wildland (essential to meet the needs of forested lands or relatively undeveloped range land to improve wildlife habitat, reduce fire hazard, or promote forest health and regeneration). The third, and most common category, general outdoor burning by permit, is closed in Missoula County until March 1, 2020. A helpful guide can be found at https://mcfpa.org/mcfpa_online_burn_permit_faqs_16_22712.pdf

Finally, MCFPA member agencies would like to thank the public for being conscientious and limiting the chance of starting a wildfire when recreating and working outdoors.

To get more information on how to get a permit in Missoula County, go to: https://app.mt.gov/burnpermit/