Open burning suspended for rest of summer

As of June 24 no debris burning will be allowed in Flathead and northern Lake Counties. 

Due to unprecedented weather conditions and drier than normal fuels, wildland fire fighters have agreed to suspend debris burning until conditions improve this fall.  

Higher temperatures with low precipitation has dried forest fuels and created potentially dangerous conditions, Jeremy Pris, of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, said. “Dedicated firefighting resources will be stretched thin this fire season, so please take care and do what you can to prevent wildfires,” he said.

He offered tips on safety: Adjust trailer chains so they are not dragging on the ground. Dragging trailer chains throw sparks into dry grass and quickly ignite roadside fires.Use water, dirt, and a shovel to extinguish any campfires until they are cold to the touch and dead out. Escaped campfires are one of the leading causes of wildfires each summer. Do not park hot vehicles in dry grass. Know the rules concerning fireworks in your area, and do not set off fireworks in areas where a wildfire could occur.  You can be held financially liable for any fire you start.

Remember, during a wildfire many homes ignite from embers and not from the flaming front. There are many ways that you may still decrease the chance of your home igniting: Create a 5-foot non-combustible zone around the perimeter of your home by removing any conifers, junipers or low-moisture plants, and raking leaves or needles that have accumulated.

Remove any branches that are overhanging or touching your home and clean out gutters.

Break up the vertical and horizontal continuity of fuels to slow fire spread and decrease fire intensity around your home by pruning branches up to 6-10 feet from the ground. This  removes ladder fuels and decreases the chance of fire climbing from the ground into the trees.