Flathead fire chiefs say thanks
The fire chiefs of Flathead County would like to thank the citizens and visitors in the area for observing the recent Independence Day holiday in a safe and patriotic manner.
Our corner of Northwest Montana is in the throes of some of the driest conditions on record, all of which had set us up for a hot and smoky Fourth of July. Because the majority of you showed great restraint from the setting off of fireworks, our firefighters were able to spend time with their families rather than being out on a fire line.
The successes can be measured by results, and while all fire departments were busy with our normal response load, the addition of what could have been numerous fire starts from fireworks did not come to pass. Thank you!
The safety and protection of the people of the Flathead is really a partnership. Last week we saw that in action as the county commissioners, DNRC, Flathead Forest, local law enforcement, all local fire departments and the citizens came together in a coordinated effort to keep our area safe from fire.
We know that to ask you to not set off fireworks meant a change to your plans with even the “big shows” being called off. Everyone likes to view fireworks, but this was not the year to take a chance. There is no doubt that even the smallest of firework-related fires could have spread to hundreds of acres in a short period of time, threatening lives and property.
Yes, we all like to exercise our rights given us in this great country. Maybe as we observed what many have called the quietest Fourth of July they can remember, we learned more about what is really important and that is the value of community and what a community can do when everyone comes together for a common cause.
Our dry summer is not over, and all predictions are that we will continue to see high temperatures and little moisture for many weeks to come. It is imperative that all of us continue to be fire safe. One match, one spark can result in a large wildfire. Please be careful. And again, thank you all for working together to keep the place we call home fire and smoke free. —Gary Mahugh, Creston fire chief