MISSOULA — Area fire mangers are lowering the Missoula area fire danger rating to "moderate" following the recent moisture.
When the fire danger rating is moderate, fires can start from most accidental causes, but the average fire is of moderate intensity. Fires will still spread rapidly in open grasslands on windy days and timber fires will spread slowly to moderately fast, but in heavy concentrations of fuel they can still burn very hot.
The Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) will continue to monitor local fire danger indices, weather, and resource availability and will open fall burning when appropriate, according to a news release.
All outdoor burning in Missoula County is by permit only, and the general burning season is closed until March 1, 2021. When fall burning opens, the only burning that will be permitted is prescribed wildland and essential agriculture burning.
Click here for more information on outdoor burning seasons, permits, and current restrictions.
