Fire Danger remains high on the Flathead Reservation

Wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire affirmed Monday that fire danger on the Flathead Indian Reservation remains high this week. As of Tuesday, no active fires were burning within the reservation boundaries.

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast this week in the Mission Valley calls for temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s through Saturday with lows ranging from 50-58 degrees, and some patchy smoke. The thermometer could drop to the mid 70s or lower 80s by early next week.

High fire danger means that dry grasses and needles ignite easily and fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. While there are no fire restrictions currently in place, residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when recreating outdoors.

Fire prevention tips include:

• Do not drive or park in tall grass.

• Farmers should hay in the mornings or late evenings.

• Always attend campfires and use established fire rings. Remember to completely drown campfires with water, stir the coals and embers, then drown again and make sure the campfire is cool to the touch. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

• Debris burning is illegal during fire season, which is July 1-Sept. 30.

For more information, call the Division of Fire at 406-676-2550.