It looks like the 2010 fire season will be short but potentially hot

By B.L. Azure

RONAN — The predictions for the 2010 fire season in the state call for “a fast and furious but short” season.

The culprit — so to speak — is the wet and relatively cool spring weather. The above average precipitation primed the pump with lush green vegetation. The added green is now turning shades of brown as it cures. And curing means drying.

It’s been fairly dry in July and that has helped with the curing. It all adds up to plenty of fuel for potential fires, not only in western Montana but also throughout the state, including the Flathead Indian Reservation.

However, the relatively cool, although dry, July has helped a bit by neutering the front end of the fire season. There are usually plenty of fires ongoing this time of year. This year the saving grace could be the potential shortness of the fire season. It all depends when the fire season ending precipitation comes; that is usually in mid to late September.

On Monday, Gov. Brian Schweitzer hosted a fire information press conference in Helena to, among other things, announce that the most of the state is now in the “High” fire danger index. It could go to “Very high” then “Extreme.”

“Montanans know it is important to be prepared for wildfire season,” Schweitzer said. “I want to thank all the folks that work hard to make sure we are prepared for the season and those who help fight fires when they come. I also want to encourage Montanans be cautious when they are out enjoying the outdoors and to take personal responsibility for their own property and create a defensible space. ”

Prior to this week the state has spent $500,000 of the $25 million it has budgeted to fight fires this fire season.

According to Montana Department of Natural Resources records, which tracks fires on all but federally managed lands, there have been 125 fires that have burned 1,143 acres through July 20. There have been an average of 171 fires a year at this time over the last five years.

Schweitzer said, that the overwhelming majority — 89 percent — of the fires so far this fire season have been human caused. That percentage is mirrored on the Flathead Reservation.

The governor urged Montana residents to obey fire restrictions and burn bans, avoid driving vehicles into areas where catalytic converters or exhaust systems may contact grasses and undergrowth, and to exercise caution when operating heavy equipment in agricultural or wooded areas.

Homeowners across Montana have their own responsibilities for preparedness, including maintaining defensible space around their homes and other structures.

Preparedness has both a short- and long-term component: clearing out the yearly buildup of grasses, shrubs and other fine fuels must be done each season. Homeowners and landowners with larger acreages should evaluate options for thinning and fuels reduction in fire-prone forested areas.

Programs and organizations such as: FireSafe Montana; Fire Ready Montana; Fire Wise; and Ready Set Go! promote homeowner responsibility and fire mitigation, and work with communities across the state on safety and prevention measures.

On a positive note, the extra precipitation helped ease the drought conditions in the state.

For more information on fire or to report a fire, call DOF fire information at 676-2550, ext 6454.