Summer is here in the Flathead Valley. I would like to remind people, if you plan to float the local rivers, check out the area that you plan to float and make sure that all are wearing personal flotation devices (life jackets).

With above summer temperatures at this time, we could have wild land fires on the valley floor by the middle of August and into September. With all the moisture that we have received, we will have a large abundance of tall grass. With this said, make sure that you have a defensible space of 35 feet around your home or buildings. Clean out your rain gutters and remove pine needles from the valley peaks on your roofs. Open burning is not allowed until Oct. 1. Campfires are allowed at this time and can be no bigger than 4x4x4-feet.

Through July 27, Bigfork Fire Department has responded to 62 incidents:

One building fire, one garbage dump or sanitary landfill fire, three land medical helicopter calls, 40 EMS calls, excluding vehicle accidents with injury, eight vehicle accidents with injuries, one motor vehicle accident with no injuries, one down power line, one smoke or odor removal, one dispatch and canceled en route, one unauthorized burning, one false alarm, one alarm system sounded due to malfunction, one unintentional detector activation with no fire, and one unintentional alarm system sounded with no fire.

Bigfork Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. It is a great experience helping your community in the time of need. We will provide the training if you have the time and commitment.

Enjoy the summer weather, be safe, and drive responsibly!

Wayne Loeffler,

Chief

Bigfork Fire Department