Outdoor Burning in Missoula County to Close July 1; Fire Danger Remains MODERATE

All outdoor burning in Missoula County, which includes the general, essential agriculture and prescribed wildland outdoor burning seasons, will close Wednesday, July 1. Fire danger remains at MODERATE, although predicted hot and dry conditions could elevate the risk of wildfire quickly. 

 

"Even with the beneficial rainfall this past week, fire officials from the Missoula County Fire Protection Association have decided now is an appropriate time to close debris burning in Missoula County for the season," said Ashleigh Burwick, Missoula Unit Fire Management Officer with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. "With the upcoming holiday weekend and the anticipated increase in outdoor recreation, it is important to limit the potential for human-caused wildfires. Even with the recent rainfall, the Climate Predication Center predicts the Monthly Temperature Outlook for July for western Montana to likely be well above normal, which can quickly cure the grasses and fine fuels, which are in abundance this year.”

Fire officials remind residents to recreate responsibly when out enjoying the Fourth of July weekend: Ensure campfires are out before leaving the campsite and only use fireworks in approved areas or attend a professional fireworks show.

 

Residents and visitors are asked to use caution, especially as they enjoy the outdoors this upcoming holiday week. On average, three out of every four wildfires in Missoula County are human caused, with the top causes being debris burning, escaped or abandoned campfires, equipment or vehicle use, and fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited on all federal and state public lands, private land classified as forest lands, Missoula City and on City Open Space lands, and Missoula County Parks and County-managed Recreation Areas. Visit www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1763/Fireworks for information on novelty fireworks that are allowed within Missoula city limits.

 

Fire managers would also like to remind City of Missoula residents that per Missoula Municipal Code 8.60, all open fires including campfires and wood-fueled fire pits are prohibited throughout the year within City limits. Barbecues and use of LPG stoves are still allowed. Check out the National Fire Protection Association's tips on cooking safety: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/grilling

 

Please visit https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/248/Burn-Permit for more information. Know before you go by visiting www.MCFPA.org for further local information and www.MTFireInfo.org for information on fire conditions and restrictions in place throughout the state.