Weekend thunderstorms spark new wildfires

At least four new wildfires popped up in Northwest Montana last weekend. The new starts, all caused by lightning, are currently burning less than one acre each.

The Montana Department of National Resources and Conservation placed two of the fires that started on July 15, West Brown Meadow and South McGregor, under “on patrol” status, meaning the blaze is under control but fire personnel are continuing to monitor the area.

The Emery Ridge and Gregg fires began July 16 and are located within the Flathead National Forest. Personnel and firefighting equipment are currently on scene at both fires working to contain and extinguish the flames.

The Lazier Creek 3 fire west of Kalispell that started July 8 from a lightning strike remains the largest of the active wildfires in the area, having consumed over 1,100 acres of brush and timber south of U.S. 2 and west of Thompson River Road. A total of 316 fire personnel are still on scene and have the blaze about 80 percent contained.

The evacuation notice issued last week for the Lazier Creek area has been lifted, and residents and recreationalists are now free to return.

The 78-acre Rogers Mountain Fire located 3 miles northwest of Happy’s Inn is now about 95 percent contained with 35 fire personnel still on scene.

A .1-acre, human-caused fire at Devil Creek that began July 13 is now under control, and the East Ashley human-caused fire that began July 14 and spread to burn .2 acres is now under “on patrol” status.

The 16-acre Grubb Fire, 12-acre Northwest Meadow Peak Fire and 4-acre 2645 Fire are now 100 percent contained, and personnel continue to monitor the areas in case of unexpected restarts.

Personnel from the DNRC, Flathead National Forest, National Parks Service, Flathead County Office of Emergency Services and other local personnel met Tuesday with local media to discuss fire season awareness, safety and prevention.

One of the top concerns for all departments was the increase of preventable human-caused fires.

As resources are stretched to cover more fires, Janette Turk of the Flathead National Forest said human-caused fires are completely preventable issues that draw personnel and equipment from larger, unpreventable lightning-caused wildfires.

Flathead County Emergency Manager Rick Sacca said one obstacle firefighters have encountered lately has been curious civilians who drive to the site of fires to investigate. This crowds fire sites, according to Sacca, preventing personnel and equipment from launching an immediate attack on the fire while they attempt to clear the area. The presence of unauthorized people at a fire also endangers those trying to work on the scene, Sacca said.

Ali Ulwelling with the DNRC said that homeowners and recreationalists play a vital role in reducing the number of fires on private property.

“Don’t think you’re only threatened if you live in the woods, “ said Lincoln Chute of the Office of Emergency Services.

He recommended fireproofing a home by clearing decks, gutters and other areas around homes of brush and other debris that can easily ignite and removing tall grass that can burn and allow fire to spread quickly.

Sacca also encouraged residents to have an emergency plan in place in case an evacuation order is issued. Neighbors helping neighbors can also provided needed assistance for those with livestock to move or those who have difficulty moving quickly.

Chute advised residents to take seriously evacuation warnings and notices when they occur and to make sure that addresses are clearly visible from both directions on the road.

“There’s a reason evacuations are called,” Chute said.

“It’s not the firefighters’ job to come save you because you weren’t proactive,” Turk added

With a few months left in this year’s fire season, the fire danger level for Northwest Montana is currently at very high, but no fire restrictions are in place.

Turk advised limiting recreational fires, keeping them small and avoiding burning trash, cardboard and other materials that can travel as embers.

To view a list of active fires, visit the InciWeb Incident Information System.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.