Heightened fire risk expected for July 4 weekend

Missoula, Montana – Fire management officers announced today that fire danger is on the rise for forested lands in west-central Montana. Officials are also reminding the public that as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the possession or use of any type of fireworks on these public lands is prohibited. These lands include National Forests, BLM, State Trust and all classified forest lands. Please do your part to help prevent unnecessary human caused wildfires.

Recent high temperatures, low humidity and persistent winds have caused drier than normal conditions, increasing the potential for wildfires. According to fire prevention specialists, dry weather, gusty winds and low humidity levels are all that are needed for a spark to ignite dry grass and other fine fuels.

State, County, and Federal Law enforcement officers will be patrolling the forest during the Independence Day holiday period and will strictly enforce the fireworks prohibition and issue citations to violators. Individuals can also be held responsible for the costs associated with a human caused fire.

The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which can easily ignite dry vegetation. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display sponsored by your local community.

Campers should also be careful with campfires, as they are a significant cause of wildland fires in Montana. If you have a campfire, completely extinguish the campfire by dousing it with water, stirring it, and continuing to pour water until they can no longer feel heat from the fire and the ash is cold to the touch. Most people are surprised at how long it takes to extinguish a campfire. A small amount of water poured on a campfire is not sufficient.

Please be responsible when traveling Montana Highways this holiday weekend and inspect all tires to ensure they are properly inflated. Also be sure to check trailer trains so they aren’t dragging along the highway.

Some other general precautions include: Never leave children unsupervised around any type of fire; Never leave a campfire unattended; Always keep on hand a shovel and water to extinguish the fire.

For more information, contact Jordan Koppen of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at (406) 542-4321.