Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

State officials are warning Fourth of July recreators about fire danger

State officials have reminded recreators to never leave campfires unattended and to extinguish them thoroughly with water.
Rachel Cramer

Montana fire officials are reminding the public of fire danger across the state approaching the Fourth of July holiday. The Flathead, Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests are all under moderate fire danger, meaning vegetation and dry fuels like dead leaves and grass can ignite and spread quickly.

The National Interagency Fire Center shows a normal fire threat in Montana for the month of July. 80% of wildfires are human-caused, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

The Flathead National Forest Facebook page reminds recreators to extinguish campfires thoroughly with a bucket of water and to never leave a fire unattended. Campers should make sure their campfire is cool to the touch before leaving.

Fireworks are illegal on all federal and state public lands. Check your city’s website for your local firework regulations.

Austin graduated from the University of Montana’s journalism program in May 2022. He came to MTPR as an evening newscast intern that summer, and jumped at the chance to join full-time as the station’s morning voice in Fall 2022.

He is best reached by emailing austin.amestoy@umt.edu.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information