Officials seek info on wildfires outside of Libby
Two helicopters and a plane aided firefighters who responded to two wildfires located just off Jennings Haul Road near Libby earlier this month. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Several wildfires sparked by fireworks on the Jennings Haul Road this month has authorities seeking the public’s help in tracking down the people who caused them.
County, state and federal officials are seeking any information on multiple, human-caused wildfires set by fireworks on the Haul Road in the Libby Ranger District, according to a press release issued by the Kootenai National Forest.
People with any information are asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 293-4112.
According to the Libby Volunteer Fire Chief Steve Lauer, there have been eight fires in four separate incidents in extremely close proximity to the Haul Road. Two were reported on July 13 and the others since then.
"I believe all of them were fireworks-related," Lauer said. "We're hoping anyone who knows anything or may have seen something on social media will contact the Sheriff's Office."
Officials say they are extremely concerned about the hot, dry conditions and urge the public to use caution while recreating on the forest.
The Kootenai National Forest is currently designated as in very high fire danger. Fireworks are always illegal on federal and state lands, regardless of weather conditions.
Fire officials ask people to help prevent unwanted fires by ensuring campfires are completely out, securing chains when towing, avoid parking in tall, dry grass and recreating responsibly.
The Kootenai Dispatch Center also listed a smoke check on July 23 in the Tobacco River area as an unattended campfire.
The Trego Fortine Stryker Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire on July 24 near Ant Flat. It is listed as contained.
Crews are working on the Tamarack Fire about four miles northeast of Calx Mountain. It was listed at 2.5 acres Wednesday and contained.
Lincoln and Sanders counties imposed Stage 1 fire restrictions as of Saturday, July 22.
The National Weather Service forecast through Tuesday calls for temperatures to return to the low to mid 90s. Breezy conditions will also continue and humidity levels are expected to remain low, below 20%.