Fires reported on Kootenai National Forest
Current fire danger rated Very High
July 25, 2007
Libby, MT - Kootenai Forest officials report nine additional fires on the forest. Initial attack crews and other resources have been dispatched to the fires and more resources are being ordered. All fires are reported to be small at this time.
Officials will continue monitoring and using aerial detection to locate new fires.
The weather forecast is for hot, dry weather for the next few days.
One fire to note is the Savage Mountain Fire. This fire, which was detected yesterday, July 24, is located 20 miles SSW of Troy and is about three acres in size. Due to concerns for firefighter safety – steep and inaccessible terrain – this fire will be monitored and managed with a confine strategy.
Stage II fire restrictions will go into effect on Monday, July 30 for Northwest Montana until further notice. Under Stage II fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:
a. Operating any internal combustion engine
b. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame
c. Using an explosive.
A patrol is required for two hours following completion of all activities as described in #3 above.
4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
We will keep the public informed as we receive more fire information. Please visit www.mt.blm.gov/fire/restrictions/ for more information about fire restrictions, or call your local fire management office.
Willie Sykes, Kootenai National Forest Public Affairs Office
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