Fire danger drops to moderate, thanks to recent rain

Last Thursday, the CSKT Division of Fire rescinded Stage I fire restrictions due to widespread precipitation across the Flathead Indian Reservation that delivered more than a half inch of rain.

By Monday, the National Weather Service had posted flood warnings for Mission Creek above the reservoir, South Crow Creek and the South Fork of the Jocko. Although flood warnings were cancelled at noon Tuesday for Lake County, more moisture is predicted later in the week.

Meanwhile, precipitation has lowered the fire danger to Moderate and provided much-needed relief for firefighters across western Montana.

“While fire danger has lessened, fire season in the Northern Rockies in not over,” according to a press release from the Division of Fire.

Debris burning is closed until Oct. 1, assuming that weather conditions will continue to provide more security against the chance of burning debris piles escaping. Typically, the end of September marks the end of fire season, and the resumption of open burning.