fbpx

First Responders Brace for Wildfire Season

Although officials are expecting a “normal” season, fuels are quickly drying out across the region

By Justin Franz
Crews mop up a grass fire near Appleway Drive in Kalispell on June 21, 2017. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

Northwest Montana got its first taste of wildfire season this week when firefighters responded to a small grass fire on the west side of Kalispell.

Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman said the blaze was reported at approximately 1:13 p.m. on June 21 near the intersection of Appleway Drive and Fenn Way. High winds quickly fanned the flames, forcing a nearby home to be evacuated. Police were preparing the clear out other residences shortly before firefighters got the fire under control.

Dedman said it’s unclear what started the fire, but it was likely human caused.

“Summer is here and fuels are quickly drying out,” he said. “People need to be careful because all it takes is one careless act and you’ve got a fire like this.”

Lincoln Chute, Flathead County fire area service manager, said officials are expecting a “normal” fire season in Northwest Montana, but that doesn’t mean first responders and land managers aren’t preparing for the worst.

“A normal fire season can still burn hundreds of thousands of acres of land, and if that happens in your backyard, you’re not going to have a good day,” Chute said.

Rain in May and early June has helped keep grass and trees wet coming into early summer, but Chute notes that those fuels can quickly dry out.

“It’s just too early to know,” Chute said. “But I encourage people to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

Chute said people should create defensible spaces around their homes by cutting tall grass and trimming brush. Officials recommend establishing a three- to five-foot noncombustible perimeter around houses by removing shrubs like junipers and pine and minimizing the use of combustible mulching materials. Officials also recommend removing most trees within a 30-foot radius of the house and pruning branches. People should also clear any twigs and debris from their gutters, and make sure their address is clearly marked at the end of their driveway should firefighters need to find it.

Fire concerns are even greater east of the Continental Divide. Crystal Beckman, fire information and education officer for the DNRC, said fire potential has increased in recent weeks in Glacier, Pondera, Toole and Liberty counties. As of June 21, Montana had 20 reported wildfires this year, which had scorched a total of 14 acres.

Residents in Northwest Montana have until June 30 to burn debris. After that, slash piles are prohibited. Residents are required to get a burn permit from the DNRC, and must keep burn piles at a manageable size and make sure they have sufficient water supplies to extinguish them if necessary. Burning in windy conditions is prohibited.

To obtain a burn permit and for additional guidance on preparing for wildfire season, go to www.firesafekalispell.com.