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Flathead National Forest |
Contact: Kimberly Delgado (406) 755-3919
August 26, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRES CONTINUE TO BURN, WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXTREME, FIRE BEHAVIOR ESCALATING
Kalispell, MT - Although western Montana and northern Idaho have received traces of moisture and cooler temperatures over the last few days, the larger fires continue to burn and initial attack on fires continues. Over the next few days/weeks, weather conditions are expected to be extreme; with high pressure induced easterly winds, historic high temperatures, lower humidities, and wind events associated with cold front passages increasing this time of year. Fire season is not over!
Area Commander for the Northwest Area Command, Rex Mann states, “We are extremely concerned about the combination of severe weather conditions, changes in the predicted weather, escalating fire behavior, and the large amount of fire existing within this Area Command”. The Incident Management Teams in this area command held a safety meeting with all of their crews this morning to share these concerns. Mann further emphasizes, “Firefighter and public safety is our top priority and it should be all of our priorities, so please adhere to the Stage II fire restrictions”.
Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect, which prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire. Fires solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels are authorized.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads or trails.
- Hoot Owl restrictions, between 1:00 pm to 1:00 am:
- Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, road building, and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering.
- Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.
- A patrol is required for one hour after woods operations cease.
For current fire information, please call (406) 755-3910 or visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/nwacfire.
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