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Sanders County moves to Stage II fire restrictions

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Hagadone News Network | July 13, 2021 1:07 PM

Extreme weather conditions in Northwest Montana have prompted Sanders County officials to order Stage II fire restrictions on private lands beginning Saturday.

The Sanders County commissioners issued the order after fire danger worsened due to extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.

In the county, the National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the mid-90s through next Monday with south-blowing winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts as high as 25 mph. There is a 10% chance of thunderstorms Saturday, 20% on Sunday and 30% on Monday.

Officials believe the threat of new, hard-to-contain fire starts is a substantial hazard to Sanders County residents.

Authorities said the restrictions will remain in place until the commissioners cancel them. They said any violations of the restrictions are a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Those who start a wildfire could be held liable for damages and the cost of fire suppression.

The restrictions prohibit outdoor fires, smoking, logging operations and driving off trails and roads.

There are exceptions to the order, including using barbecue grills on private property where flammable materials are cleared away, mowing lawns that are deep green and irrigated, and operating generators with an approved spark-arresting device.

The commissioners' order can be found on the county's website.

STATE AND federal fire officials held a meeting in Plains Monday evening to update county residents on fire activity and their efforts to control blazes burning in several areas.

Dave Olson, the unit manager for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in Plains, said the 200-acre Henry Creek Fire east of the town was 30% contained and did not grow on Monday. He said the blaze was human-caused, but the exact cause remained under investigation.

Olson said the fire was not anticipated to reach Montana 28, but it depends on the wind. Ten more firefighters were joining the 25-man crew fighting the fire on Tuesday. He said two dozers and two tenders were being used. Helicopters and planes also had been used to drop water on the fire.

Asked why fire restrictions weren't taking effect sooner, Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel said it was a matter of getting the word out to county residents.

"Social media is nice and we'll put signs up, but not everyone is on the internet and we need to advertise in the local papers, so that is why it doesn't begin until Saturday," Rummel said. "Also, I urge everyone to talk to your neighbors about what they are doing and to avoid any activity that could cause a spark."

The largest fires burning in the county are Thorne Creek and Winniemuck, located northeast of Thompson Falls. They totaled a little more than 1,000 acres and were expected to burn together in the next few days.

The fires pose an extreme risk to firefighters as they were burning in steep, rugged terrain in heavy dead, downed fuels in the Cube Iron/Silcox area. Fire managers are conducting aerial reconnaissance each day in an effort to decide when and where to access the blaze.

ON THE Flathead Indian Reservation, the fire danger level has been raised to extreme, but no restrictions have been ordered, other than outdoor burning is not allowed.

Tribal firefighters have brought most of the fires under control, according to tribal spokesman C.T. Camel.

The Little Money 2 Fire is a Type 3 incident located 2 miles west of Perma. The fire was listed at 159 acres and 35% contained as of Monday night. The fire was burning in steep and rocky terrain. The Painted Rocks (Camas 1300 Road), the Camas 1000 Road and the Camas 2000 Road are closed.

In the Kootenai National Forest, the Burnt Peak Fire was growing and listed at about 650 acres with just 10% containment Monday evening. Officials reported the fire was within 2 miles of residences and pre-evacuation notices are in effect.

Air quality continued to be affected in Northwest Montana.

The air was rated unhealthy for sensitive groups at a monitoring station in Libby. It was rated moderate in the Flathead Valley and Thompson Falls.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.