HAMILTON — The fire danger on the Bitterroot National Forest has been raised to “Moderate.”
A ridge of high pressure and above-average temperatures are expected to continue through the week with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms with the potential of frequent lightning.
Bitterroot National Forest spokesman Tod McKay says fuels are starting to dry out in many areas and firefighters are asking for the public’s help in preventing human-caused wildfires.
When the fire danger is “moderate”, fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fires is usually low.
If a fire starts in open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires spread slowly to moderately and are often easy to control.
There are no fire restrictions at this time.
People are being advised to keep campfires small, and completely extinguish them before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch.
It is illegal to have unattended campfires.
This year, firefighters have extinguished three human-caused fires and four lightning fires on the Bitterroot National Forest.
