Flathead National Forest

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2001

Driving in the Moose Fire Area

Fire officials are reminding people traveling through the fire area to not leave the roadway. Fire-weakened roots allow trees to fall without warning and there is also danger from rolling rocks, logs, and pits from burnt out roots systems, which may appear as level ground, but in fact are filled with hot ash. Motorists should also drive with their headlights on. Watch for slow-moving vehicles and firefighters working near roads.

On Tuesday afternoon, September 18th, a live tree with a burned out root system unexpectedly fell on a van used to transport firefighters. Fortunately, only the driver was in the parked vehicle and even though the vehicle sustained substantial damage, no one was injured. On Wednesday, winds increased over the fire and caused numerous trees to fall. These incidents highlight the dangers inherent to the public when they enter areas where the fire has burned. Therefore, Moose Fire officials continue to monitor travel within the fire perimeter and some roads are closed for public safety. The public is asked to stay on roadways when traveling through the fire.

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