MISSOULA - Hot, dry conditions and lack of precipitation forecasted are prompting Missoula County fire protection agencies to raise the fire danger in the Missoula area to EXTREME, effective immediately. Extreme fire danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and firefighters are rarely able to attack it directly making suppression efforts more complex.
The tri-county area, including Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties, has already experienced 228 wildland fires since the beginning of the year, with 75% of those being human caused (which is 100% preventable!).
Approximately 45 of those wildfires started this past week including four wildfires that started on the Seeley Lake Ranger District.
The "Mount Henry Road" wildfire was reported Wednesday, July 7 at 11:21 a.m. It was controlled Thursday afternoon by Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters at 0.1 acre.
The "Dry Cabin" fire was reported Sunday just after 1:30 p.m. in the Scapegoat Wilderness in Lewis and Clark County on the Seeley Lake Ranger District. It is burning in old growth timber. The District is currently managing it. As of Tuesday morning it was reported at 300 acres. Updates will be posted when available.
The "Deer Creek" fire was reported Monday, July 12 at 9:59 a.m. near Mount Henry. It was human caused burning in brush and timber. A helicopter dipped out of Seeley Lake and Lake Inez Monday to assist with the DNRC's suppression efforts. The fire was controlled Monday night at 0.1 acre and is now in patrol status.
Tuesday morning just before 8 a.m. firefighters responded to another smoke report off West Morrell Creek Road named "Seeley Creek." As of the morning dispatch report, it was 0.1 acre burning in slash and timber. Forest Service firefighters contained it at 10 a.m.
Two other fires were also reported in Missoula County, one above Ovando named "Little Blackfoot" and the other near West Fork Point named "West Fork Point." DNRC firefighters responded to these fires that were both less than an acre in the initial report.
Please watch the Seeley Swan Pathfinder Facebook page and website for wildfire information regarding new fires, road and trail closures and up-to-date information that affects the Clearwater, Blackfoot and Swan Valleys.
Limited resource availability due to numerous fires throughout the region compounds the complex fire situation, creating intense competition and prioritization for resources-specifically crews, aircraft, and incident management teams.
"With conditions already so dry and with no reprieve in sight, in addition to much needed resources already getting stretched thin with the local and national fire situation, it is critical that the public exercise caution while recreating outdoors," says Ashleigh Burwick, Fire Management Officer for the Missoula Unit of the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation's Southwestern Land Office.
While implementing area fire restrictions is being discussed, there are currently no fire restrictions in place in the Missoula area aside from the fact that outdoor burning by permit remains closed in Missoula County as well as in our surrounding counties.
Residents and visitors are urged to visit MTFireInfo.org to learn of fire restrictions that are in place throughout Montana. While lightning cannot be regulated, human-caused sparks can be controlled. The public can also prepare for wildfire emergencies by signing up for Missoula County emergency alerts through smart911.com and following wildfire preparedness tips listed on MCFPA.org.
Recent smoke filling the valley appropriately brings with it Smoke Ready Week-a week dedicated to helping residents and visitors learn more about staying healthy during times of persistent wildfire smoke.
Visit montanawildfiresmoke.org for more information on selecting and using portable air cleaners and filters, making do-it-yourself air cleaner, using AC and coping with the smoke and heat combined. Together communities can prepare and get Wildfire Smoke Ready!
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