From flood season to fire season

We humans are a worrisome lot. We have just finished worrying about flooding, and now it's time to worry about fire season.

Spring runoff and fire season occur every year. Some are better than average, some are worse. This spring with 200 percent of normal snowpack, we had reason to worry. Despite thousands of hours of human worrying, there was only minor flooding. Granted, there remain high levels of ground water and several over-full lakes in the Flathead Valley. There was no flood and there won't be, at least not this year.

By this time in 2003, the Wedge Canyon Fire had made its big run and had burnt several homes and tens of thousands of acres. Little did we know that Wedge would be a threat until we were in September.

That same year, the Robert Fire also burnt thousands of acres on the North Fork, threatened Apgar and West Glacier, and along with other Flathead Forest fires obscured the mountain views and clogged the lungs of everyone.

So could 2011 be a big fire year? Barely possible, certainly unlikely. As of the first of August, it is hard to envision a big fire. We have had adequate rain in June and July, and the ground is still damp and many heavy fuels are still wet. Today, a big fire is practically impossible.

That could change in August and September. A prolonged hot spell with dry winds could dry out the fuels, especially the high lush grass and brush created by the abundant spring rains. A killing frost in August could add more dry fuel to the mix.

Then a severe lightning storm or a careless human could spark a fire which, depending on wind and relative humidity, could become a problem.

In my mind, a big fire is very unlikely, although we may well have a number of small fires that will be controlled with the resources we have on hand, that is the Forest Service and experienced residents.

With only a small chance of a dangerous fire season, this is a good opportunity to assess how vulnerable your property and exit routes would be if it were a dry year. Make plans now to protect your property and lives when the inevitable fire year happens.

If for any reason you don't feel qualified to assess your property, contact North Fork Fire Chief Lynn Ogle. He lives on Kintla Ranch Road three-quarters of a mile north of Trail Creek. He or someone else who is qualified will visit your property free of charge and advise you.

As with all advice, you can accept or reject it. You are responsible for making your property as safe as possible for your own protection and safety. Also, if you make your property safe, firefighters can help you save your buildings. If you fail to do this no one can help.

Next week, Patti Hart will be the guest columnist with a fresh perspective. I think you will enjoy it.