Fire threat remains

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

Temperatures have dropped, and the big fires are finally under control, but Stage 2 fire restrictions are still in effect. Conditions for wildfires are no less severe than before the fires began weeks ago.

Forests are still close to record lows for fuel moisture, and the potential for catastrophic fire remains higher than this time in 2000.

With hunting season on many people's minds, those out chasing big game are reminded that fire restrictions prohibit open flames or campfires, the use of motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails and smoking is allowed in designated areas only.

For homeowners and developers, Stage 2 restrictions mean that the operation of lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, backhoes, excavators, dozers an the operation of any internal combustion engine is allowed only from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. A two-hour patrol of the area is required after the activity is finished.

For more fire information or fire safety tips, visit www.inciweb.org or www.firewise.org.

As of Sept. 1, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began its fall smoke management program. Both major and minor open burning sources will be required to comply with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for smoke management. This includes calling the DEQ Ventilation Hotline at 800-225-6779 prior to ignition and burning only during time periods specified by the department.

The DEQ operates a monitoring program to regulate open burning based on ventilation conditions in various airsheds during the fall months (September 1 - November 30) when air ventilation conditions are worsening because of inversions and stagnant air conditions. During this time, the DEQ will make daily dispersion forecasts based on air quality for all airsheds. Burning will only be allowed if the DEQ has determined that ventilation conditions are good or excellent.

Burners are also cautioned to contact local authorities to determine if additional open burning permits are required. Burners in any county should contact both the local fire control authority and county health department prior to open burning during any time of the year to obtain information on local open burning permits and rules.

For more information, please contact John Coefield at (406) 444-5272.