Officials seek info on Haul Road fires
Two helicopters and a plane aided firefighters who responded to two wild fires located just off Jennings Haul Road Thursday evening. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Several wild fires caused by fireworks on the Jennings Haul Road this month has law enforcement seeking the public’s help into who may have caused them.
In a press release from the Kootenai National Forest, officials from it, the state and county are seeking any information on multiple, human-caused wildfires set by fireworks on the Haul Road on the Libby Ranger District.
People with any information on these fires are asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 406-293-4112.
According to the Libby Volunteer Fire Chief/Marshal Steve Lauer, there have been eight fires in four separate incidents in extremely close proximity to the Haul Road. Two were reported on July 13 and the others since then.
"I believe all of them were fireworks-related," Lauer said. "We're hoping anyone who knows anything or may have seen something on social media will contact the sheriff's office."
Officials say they are extremely concerned about the hot, dry conditions and urge the public to use caution while recreating on the forest.
The Kootenai National Forest is currently in very high fire danger. As a reminder, fireworks are always illegal on federal and state lands, regardless of weather conditions.
Fire officials ask people to help prevent unwanted fires by ensuring campfires are completely out, securing chains when towing, avoid parking in tall, dry grass and recreating responsibly.
The Kootenai Dispatch Center also listed a smoke check on July 23 in the Tobacco River area as an unattended campfire.
The Trego Fortine Stryker Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire on July 24 near Ant Flat. It is listed as contained.
Crews are working on the Tamarack Fire about four miles northeast of Calx Mountain. It was listed at 2.5 acres Wednesday and contained.
Lincoln and Sanders counties are imposing Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 22.
While temperatures moderated on Tuesday and Wednesday, fire conditions are expected to worsen as high winds both day contributed to ever-increasing dry conditions.
The National Weather Service forecast through next Tuesday calls for temperatures to return to the low to mid 90s. Breezy conditions will also continue and humidity levels are expected to remain low, below 20%.