CSKT Division of Fire and Polson Rural Fire warn residents of fire danger
EMILY MESSER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 3 weeks AGO
Polson Rural Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Fox Lane on July 30. Mutual aid was requested from the City of Polson Fire Department and CSKT Division of Fire for structure protection. (Emily Messer/Leader)
Emily Messer joined the Lake County Leader in July of 2025 after earning a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Montana. Emily grew up on a farm in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri and enjoys covering agriculture and conservation. She's lived in Montana since 2022 and honed her reporter craft with the UM J-School newspaper and internships with the RMEF Bugle Magazine and the Missoulian. At the Leader she covers the St. Ignatius Town Council, Polson City Commission and a variety of business, lifestyle and school news. | August 13, 2025 12:00 AM
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire sent out a press release warning residents of high fire danger on the Flathead Indian Reservation on Aug. 12.
The Division of Fire press release stated that there are no fire restrictions at this time but it noted that the “near forecast calls for wildfire weather.” With Aug. 13 weather predictions in the high 80s and wind gusts up to 30 mph, CSKT stated these conditions can make vegetation the perfect fuel.
“Dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland, and when fires get established in this fuel type they can quickly spread out of control,” the Division of Fire press release stated.
On the morning of Aug. 13 Polson Rural Fire District made a social media warning residents that Polson was in a Red Flag Warning.
“We will be in a Red Flag Warning today from 1pm until 9pm due to hot and dry conditions, gusty winds, and low (relative humidity)," the Polson Rural Fire District, Facebook post stated.
C.T. Camel, the Division of Fire information officer, said temperatures next week are predicted to remain in the 80’s. He explained that in Montana throughout the month of August fire danger usually remains high.
The Division of Fire reminded residents that debris burning is closed Oct. 1 and campfires are allowed in established fire rings. But it requested that people make sure their campfires are completely extinguished.
Due to this extreme heat, the Division also asked individuals working outside to secure their trailer chains. Camel said people often don’t know their chains are dragging which can cause a spark to hit dry vegetation.
Camel said the heat of the day is from 2-5 p.m. and advised that people complete their farm and ranch chores before the heat and high winds.
“Please do your part to ensure there is One Less Spark as a result of your outdoor activities in the heat of the afternoon,” the press release stated. “If a small fire becomes a full-blown forest fire, it could lead to arson charges, fines and even the bill for all fire-caused costs.”
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