Northwest Montana listed as having highest fire potential
Marty Hensel photo
The Flathead River runs full above. Though spring rains pushed the potential for fire starts later into the month of July, a normal fire season with “likely more fire activity than 2023,” is still expected across Montana.
file photo
Pictured above is an Aug. 1, 2023 photo of the Big Knife fire that burned in the mountains south of Arlee last summer. Northern Rockies Geographic Area Predictive Services predicts more fire activity this summer than last.
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News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA — On June 18, Governor Greg Gianforte received the 2024 Fire Season Outlook Briefing from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and Northern Rockies Coordinating Group (NRCG).
“The state of Montana stands unified and ready this fire season,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s important to remember we all have a responsibility to prevent human-caused wildfires. While we cannot control the weather, we can control our actions in order to prevent human-caused fires from occurring in the first place.”
During the briefing, fire management professionals expressed their anticipation for a relatively slow ramp up to the peak of the fire year, with rainfall this spring across much of the state extending the potential for fire starts later into July.
Through summer and into the fall, officials anticipate dry, warm weather, with a normal fire season expected across Montana.
According to NRCG, smoke is also expected from fires in California, New Mexico, Montana, or other states.
With nearly all fires in Montana this year being human caused, the governor joined DNRC to emphasize the need for fire prevention.
“DNRC is ready to do its part to protect Montana this summer and fall,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “But our best partners are our friends and neighbors across Montana. Please exercise caution this summer and do your best to help prevent fires from occurring.”
Fire prevention tips include:
Staying current on weather conditions and fire restrictions in your area.
Always using an established ring fire and never leaving campfires unattended.
Ensuring trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging on the pavement.
Properly maintaining and cleaning farm and lawn equipment.
Avoiding driving or parking your vehicle, including all-terrain and utility vehicles, on dry grass.
Using caution when burning debris and never burning piles when it’s hot, windy, or when fire restrictions are in place.
For current fire information and additional tips on preventing human-caused wildfire, visit: https://www.mtfireinfo.org/.
The governor’s 2024 Fire Season Outlook Briefing Summary from Northern Rockies Geographic Area Predictive Services states:
Normal season expected for significant wildland fire activitiy in Montana
Northwest MT highest potential across the state
Very likely more fire activity than 2023, which ended up being a short season
Approximately 25% more acres than 2023
Significant fires can occur in “normal” years
Fire season starting later in July but lasting longer into September
