Fire danger lowered to high on Reservation

The Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire announced in a press release on Tuesday, Aug. 18, that fire danger on the Flathead Indian Reservation has been lowered from high. 

According to the CSKT Division of Fire, the Reservation received “some good” precipitation last week and cooler temperatures, prompting fire officials to discuss modifying fire restrictions. Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in effect within the boundary of the Reservation until further notice. 

The following items are prohibited until further notice: building or maintaining a fire or campfire, except within a developed recreation site; smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials; and operating a motorized vehicle off designated roads or trails. 

The press release noted that fire season is not over and vegetation can cure with above-normal temperatures. This is a type of fine, dead fuel that is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland and can quickly spread out of control. 

Debris burning is illegal on the Reservation until Oct. 1