Missoula County interagency fire officials say fire danger is very high in Missoula County. Officials remind the public that burning by permit is closed and ask that people exercise caution with fire and anything that can produce sparks.
The Missoula County Fire Protection Association sent out this release today:
June 22, 2015, 3:00 PM- Missoula, Montana – Interagency wildland fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) have determined fire danger within Missoula County to be VERY HIGH. Recent days have been extremely dry with little moisture causing vegetation and grasses to cure. This fine, dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland, and when fires get established in this fuel type they spread out of control rapidly. Temperatures are expected to reach well above normal by this weekend causing conditions to dry out even further. All fuels both live and dead have dried to the point that fires will become very active quickly. We can’t afford for anyone to be careless during activities that have the potential to start a fire, so we urge the public to be extremely cautious with fire. We also encourage the public to be extremely cautious while operating equipment that can produce sparks. Chainsaws and lawn mowers have already caused a few fires this year. We also advise travelers to inspect and keep up on trailer maintenance. Be aware to keep tow chains from dragging when you’re getting ready to travel to recreational destinations. Visit http://firesafemt.org/ for more information. Outdoor debris burning by permit has been closed for a week, but firefighters continue to respond to debris fires across the county. Missoula County residents need to know that our wildland firefighters face a long, arduous fire season even without having to respond to human-caused fires. The more careful we are with fire, the less danger our first responders will face. Everyone is encouraged to bookmark www.firerestrictions.us for the most up-to-date information regarding restrictions. Folks can also like the Missoula County Fire Protection Association on Facebook, and get information on our webpage: www.mcfpa.org.