Landfill fire sparked by embers

A Sunday night fire at the Flathead County Landfill north of Kalispell didn’t cause any damage, but serves as a reminder that barbecue and wood-stove ashes can rekindle and catch garbage receptacles on fire, waste management said.

Flathead County Public Works Director Dave Prunty said the fire, which was reported at 11:05 p.m. Sunday, was quickly doused by West Valley Fire Department.

Prunty said small fires are normal occurrences at the dump that happen several times a month, but that it has been a couple of years since a blaze has started after hours.

The culprit of the small fires is often ashes from barbecue or wood-stove waste.

Prunty said folks can reduce fire risk by paying attention to their coals.

“Make sure your barbecue ashes are completely out, and also, coming into wood-burning season, when you clean out your stove, make sure you don’t have any hot spots either,” Prunty said. “Make sure it is completely out.”

Prunty was glad there was no damage from the blaze.

“It’s no fun for us, no fun for the firemen, but it didn’t hurt anything,” Prunty said.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.