Interagency team educates about wildfire safety, prevention
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News from the Fire Prevention Education Team
MISSOULA — As a result of increasing fire activity across Southwest Montana, fueled by dry conditions and elevated temperatures, federal, state, Tribal, and local fire personnel are encouraging residents and visitors to take precaution to prevent human-caused wildfires, and to be aware of public use fire restrictions in place.
Now through Aug. 12, 2024, a multi-agency national Fire Prevention and Education Team will work in partnership with the Southwest Montana Zone, which represents fire personnel from County Fire Wardens, Disaster & Emergency Services, Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and multiple local agencies and communities to assist with educating residents and visitors about wildfire safety and how to prevent wildfires. “Everybody needs to be aware of the dangers of wildfire,” said Mark Wiles, team leader for the national fire prevention education team. “There are a lot of things people can do to protect homes, property, and public land from wildfire. During the ongoing focus on fire prevention, our goal is to provide the knowledge people need to keep our public lands and communities safe from wildfire.”
In celebration of the 80th birthday of Smokey Bear, a fire prevention celebration will be held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to visit the fair booth hosted by the Missoula County Fire Prevention Association for information on fire restrictions in place in Missoula County and the eight- county area of Southwest Montana.
Human-caused wildfires, associated with debris burning, vehicle-related fires and escaped campfires are responsible for most wildfires in Southwest Montana. The public is reminded to recreate responsibly while visiting public lands this summer and check local fire use restrictions posted at MTFireInfo.org before you go. Extreme fire ratings mean just one spark can ignite quickly and start a wildfire. Remember, only YOU can prevent wildfire.
All fire restrictions are posted at MTFireInfo.org. For storm response efforts, visit: missoula.co/storm for the most up-to-date list of debris drop sites and other details about fire restrictions.
