May is Wildfire Awareness Month: prepare, prevent, protect
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News from CSKT Division of Fire
More than 1.3 million acres burned across Montana in 2017; making it one of the most significant wildfire years in history. While wildfires can occur at any time of the year, the majority of wildfires in Montana occur between May and September of each year.
May is an ideal time to promote wildfire awareness in Montana so that residents and visitors can begin to reduce wildfire risk to their properties and communities through hazardous fuels reduction, incorporation of fire resistant building materials, and upkeep around their properties to maintain the wildfire risk reduction actions they have done previously. May is also an ideal time to remind recreationists, farmers, and ranchers to be cautious in their activities so that there are fewer human-caused wildfires.
May is designated Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana and is part of a multi-state campaign to encourage individuals and communities to prepare for wildfire season.
The purpose of Wildfire Awareness Month is to raise awareness about wildfire community preparedness, wildfire risk reduction, and preventing human caused wildfires.
The objective is to provide clear, accurate and timely fire information to public officials, the public and the media about the actions that residents of Montana can take to reduce the threats from wildfires.
Here are a few ways to prevent and prepare for wildfires:
– Clean out gutters, roofs and other areas where debris has settled
– Avoid burning on windy days and never leave a burn pile unattended
– Create an evacuation plan and practice the route with family members
– Keep the space around your home, known as the home ignition zone, clear of dense vegetation
– Take action in your community by organizing a wildfire preparedness event
– Preparedness is a shared responsibility and we all have a role.
For more information and resources, visit www.keepgreen.org
If you have questions regarding W.A.M., please contact the Division of Fire at 676-2550 or contact Fire Prevention Specialist C.T. Camel at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or email: ct.camel@cskt.org or Devlin Lafrombois, Fire Prevention Tech II at ext. 6410 or email: devlin.lafrombois@cskt.org
