Fire danger conditions reach extreme level
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News from the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes
PABLO — Fire danger is at an extreme level on the Flathead Indian Reservation, according to Curt Matt, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Division of Fire. Extreme conditions means fuels have dried to a point where fire ignitions have the potential to create large and intense burning.
The Division of Fire continues to monitor a lightning holdover on the Mission Front, which located five miles east of St. Ignatius. The fire is creeping around in spruce stands and is located in very hazardous terrain. Due to rough conditions, the Division of Fire has pulled all crew members from this fire to ensure crew safety. The fire will be monitored and helicopter bucket drops will be used to keep this fire in check.
A small fire occurred July 24 in the Valley Creek area 15 miles southwest of Arlee. Cause of the fire was a cut-to-length logging machine working on a timber sale. The logging contractor prevented the fire spread, and crews from the Division of Fire responded.
The Valley Creek fire was placed in patrol status as of Friday, July 25.
The public is reminded that the Flathead Indian Reservation will be in a Stage I Fire Restriction as of 12:01 a.m. MST on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Small fires continue to plague the Reservation; a house fire in Hot Springs spread to the surrounding grass. Another fire in Pablo burned in pine duff and threatened structures.
All of these fires are under investigation. Fire leaders will meet this July 29 to discuss stage 2 restrictions and closures.
With warmer temperatures predicted, the public is urged to be extremely careful with fires. The Flathead Indian Reservation currently is under a no open burning restriction.
For further information concerning fire activities, call the Division of Fire at 676-2550.
