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HELENA - The Governor's Office reports humans have caused 89% of all wildfires so far in 2010.

Governor Brian Schweitzer was briefed by local, state and federal fire officials Monday on the outlook for the 2010 fire season as the drier, hotter weather is increasing wildfire potential across Montana.

Officials discussed the state's level of preparedness, including interagency cooperation, along with the importance of active prevention measures on the part of homeowners and the general public.

"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. "

Following a cool, wet spring and early summer, fire activity has increased significantly over the past two weeks.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), which maintains records for wildfires on all lands except those federally-managed, reports 125 fires have occurred through July 20, burning 1,143 acres. That's slightly behind the five-year average of 171 fires, though fire officials caution those numbers can change dramatically after a single week of hot weather.

The cause of the bulk of this year's fires is raising some alarms as 89% of all reported wildfires so far have been human-caused.

Montana residents are being urged 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.

All firefighting agencies in Montana prepare year-round for fire season, maintaining or upgrading equipment, training personnel and reviewing operating agreements. Every acre of Montana is assigned to either a local, state, tribal or federal wildfire organization and all of them must communicate effectively on issues such as fire dangers and restrictions, available equipment and operating plans.

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

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 (see related article), Fire Wise and Ready Set Go! promote homeowner responsibility and fire mitigation, and work with communities across the state on safety and prevention measures.