Flathead's fire danger raised to extreme

Interagency fire managers on Sunday raised the fire danger to extreme for the Flathead Valley area, citing extremely dry forest fuels along with continued temperatures above normal and low humidity.

Just a 0.07 trace of moisture fell the entire month of July in the Kalispell area, where weather is recorded at Glacier Park International Airport. With the exception of an 85-degree day predicted for Wednesday, the outlook for the Flathead Valley calls for continued hot weather with temperatures in the low 90s. And while Wednesday may be a bit cooler, it will also be windier. The National Weather Service is forecasting wind gusts as high as 32 mph.

Stage 2 fire restrictions were imposed late last week to help reduce the number of human-caused fires during periods of very high to extreme fire danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition. Each year, 70 to 80 percent of wildfires are human-caused and this summer the trend has continued, according to an interagency press release. Flathead County Emergency Communications Center and Kalispell Interagency Dispatch Center have dispatched firefighters, resources and law enforcement officers to 237 wildfire incidents since July 1. These included illegal burn piles, grass fires, brush fires, and out-of-control campfires and fire pits. The majority of these fires have been human-caused, the fire advisory stated.

Campfires are not allowed anywhere during Stage II Fire Restrictions.

Smoking outdoors is prohibited, except at developed recreation sites or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material. The use of fireworks also is prohibited under Stage II restrictions.

Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited except for people engaged in a business or occupation where off-road travel is required. Off-road operators are required to have fire extinguishers and fire tools with them.

The operation of internal combustion engines is restricted from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., along with welding, acetylene or other torches with an open flame, and the use of explosives during those hours.