PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Division of Fire is seeking any information on a person or persons who have been starting fires in the Ronan and Polson areas over the last few weeks.
In addition to two larger fires is the Sloan's Bridge area last week which burned almost 200 acres, three more small fires of suspicious nature were discovered along the Jocko Road east of Arlee over the weekend.
"Efforts are being made to stop human caused fires during this present time of High fire danger. This is a very serious matter," a social media post states.
People who witness anyone setting fires or abandoning campfires are to contact local law enforcement or call 1-800-47-ARSON. Callers may remain anonymous.
Tips can also be submitted online at www.wetip.com. Rewards go up to $10,000.
Tribal fire managers additionally note that "unattended campfires and other small starts from carelessness have also been a problem and may easily spread and spark much larger fires."
CSKT notes that if a small fire becomes a full-blown forest fire, it could lead to arson charges, fines and even the bill for all fire-caused costs.
The Flathead Indian Reservation is currently in "very high" fire danger.
Please do your part to ensure there is One Less Spark as a result of your outdoor activities in the heat of the afternoon:
- Mowing tall grass where the blade can strike a rock
- Safety chains sparking on the road while towing a trailer
- Failure to have a spark arrester in your equipment's exhaust system in grassy areas
