MISSOULA — Our recent hot weather has prompted Lolo National Forest officials to hike the fire danger on parts of the forest.
The east side of the Lolo National Forest -- including the Seeley Lake, Missoula and Ninemile Ranger Districts -- is now under very high fire danger.
The Superior and Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger Districts remain under "high" fire danger.
People are being urged to use caution with campfires and following the campfire best practices listed below.
Campfire Best Practices:
- Campfires in Montana cannot exceed 3’ high and 3’ wide
- Campfires are best lit in metal rings; rock rings with 2 feet of soil cleared of flammable vegetation are a second-best choice.
- If a rock ring is your only option, try to locate your camp where a rock ring already exists to lighten your impact.
- Campfires should never be left unattended. This is especially dangerous in the heat of the day, when winds pick up and light fuels dry out.
- A campfire isn’t dead-out until it is cold to the touch. Drown your campfire with water, stir the coals in the water with a shovel, and feel the coals with the back of your hand to ensure they’re out.
