CSKT officials raise fire-danger level to 'high'

Due to increasing temperatures and drying vegetation, wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Division of Fire on Tuesday raised the fire danger within the Flathead Indian Reservation to “high.”

High fire danger means that dry grasses and needles ignite easily, and fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Always attend your campfire and use established fire rings. Remember to completely drown your campfire with water, stir the coals and embers, then drown again and make sure the campfire is cool to the touch. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Additionally, outdoor burning by permit is closed on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Debris burning will resume after the fire season, typically on Oct. 1.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when outdoors. As we approach the Fourth of July, this is a reminder that fireworks are prohibited on all state and federal classified forestlands.

For more information, contact the Division of Fire at 406-676-2550 or prevention specialist C.T. Camel at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or ct.camel@cskt.org.