This summer, the wildfire smoke remains persistent throughout the Mission Valley, with air quality declared as unhealthy for sensitive groups.

While there are no blazes in the area, the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire stated in a press release on Thursday, July 30, that fire danger has been increased to very high on the Flathead Indian Reservation. 

So, where is the smoke coming from? 

According to the City of Polson Fire Chief Kevin Straub, the smoke coming into western Montana by southwestern winds is from Oregon and southwest Idaho wildfires. While this smoke can travel hundreds of miles, these smoky conditions don’t mean a wildfire is immediately threatening the community. 

However, wind direction, fire activity and nighttime temperature inversions can cause conditions to change quickly, Straub stated. 

Division of Fire officials ask residents and visitors to use caution when outdoors and noted that high fire danger means dry grasses and needles can ignite easily, meaning fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. 

The Division of Fire press release stated that the public should not drive or park on tall grass and advised farmers to hay in the morning or late evening. Campfires should also be attended and in an established fire ring. 

Campfires should be completely drowned with water, and the campfire should be cool to the touch before leaving. Debris burning is also legal during fire season, which is July 1-Sept. 30. 

Straub explained that Polson air quality is classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” meaning that the main pollutant is extremely small particles found in wildfire smoke. At this level, most healthy adults may not experience serious effects, but sensitive individuals should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.

Sensitive groups include: children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with lung conditions, heart disease or diabetes. Straub noted some ways to protect yourself include limiting strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows and doors closed and setting vehicle and home air-conditioning systems to recirculate. 

People can also use a portable HEPA air cleaner or a properly sized MERV-13 filter, if compatible with their HVAC system or if outdoors, Straub recommends a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator.

While the wildfire smoke in the valley isn’t from a nearby fire, three wildfires are still active in the Lolo National Forest, Flathead National Forest and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 

According to a press release from the Lolo National Forest, on Tuesday, Aug 4, the Elder Fire, located seven miles southwest of Frenchtown, has reached 1,234 acres. It is 84% contained, and there are 250 personnel on the fire. 

All spot fires have been contained on the south side of Rock Creek, and on Sunday crews were able to increase patrolling and mop up efforts. 

In the Flathead National Forest, there is the Skillet Fire, 15 miles west of Olney, at 2,494 acres. According to the Flathead National Forest press release, Flathead County has issued an evacuation warning for Good Creek, Old Good Creek, Gregg Creek and Alder Creek roads.

The press release stated that last Thursday, the fire continued to burn into heavy, dense timber, spreading west from the Flathead National Forest over the Martin Divide into the Kootenai National Forest. 

According to an update from the Flathead National Forest on Sunday, July 29, fire activity increased on Saturday, and the fire remains most active on the northern edge along Alder Creek. As of Sunday, the Skillet Fire is at 0% containment. 

The Silvertip Fire has also taken off in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and is at 6,029 acres. According to the Flathead National Forest, on Friday, the fire experienced minimal growth over the previous two days. 

Firefighters continue to face challenges with inserting personnel due to limited access and potential upcoming critical fire weather conditions.