Fire danger is high in Flathead

When I commented on the woods being drier than normal on July 1, I did not expect a two-week hot spell. Fire danger is already very high and we should act as if it is extreme.

A small lightning fire just south of Moose Creek created an exclamation mark in a really dry summer. That fire was spotted only seconds after it was ignited, but darkness and rough terrain delayed crews until early the next day. Monitoring radio frequencies indicated 20 men plus helicopters attacking the fire, and it was contained and put out without spreading much.

This fire was reported almost immediately by the Numa lookout, so authorities were notified quickly. It was also spotted by local residents who quickly called the Forest Service, only to be answered by a recording saying that the office was closed. They then called 911 and felt that the operator who answered was very nonchalant about the fire.

Obviously, not every fire will be rapidly reported by Forest or Park officials. Fire spotting by alert, concerned residents could be vital for quick initial attack on a fire. I hope officials at the Interlocal will tell us on July 17 how we can report fires in a timely manner. Locals have a lot at stake too.

In addition to pointing out the need for residents to be able to report fires efficiently, the Moose Fire really raised awareness about how dry the forest is and that current hot weather will only increase fire danger. It will not be long before there will probably be fire restrictions. I think we should start right now.

Be very careful! Smoke only indoors. Only have campfires if the site is well-cleared and water is available. Do not drive into meadows with tall grass.

Those of us who were here in 1988, 2001, and 2003 when we had huge fires can attest to how fast fire can spread. Those areas can burn again — remember Canyon Creek last year? That fire was fueled by trees killed in the Robert Fire of 2003.

We will always have fires in the forest. Lightning is a force of nature and there are always careless humans. Private landowners have done a lot to reduce fuels around buildings and along roadways. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has been unable to really address salvage operations after a fire and have done very little to create a healthy forest in areas that have not burned.

As a result there are areas where fuel buildup is so high that, given dry conditions and wind, a stand replacement fire is almost inevitable. When that happens, firefighters have to just get out of the way and let the fire run. In most cases that means let the fire run into Glacier Park and fight fire on the flanks.

I believe with strong forest management we can significantly reduce the risk of really big fires. What do you think?

Have to note the passing of Jerry DeSanto, longtime Polebridge Ranger. He was a top-notch person with many talents, and his skills have been well-covered in last week’s Hungry Horse News and other local media. Rest in peace, old friend.

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.