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Missoula County fire danger on the rise

Posted at 12:06 PM, Jul 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-15 14:06:52-04
(MTN News file photo)

MISSOULA – The fire danger in Missoula County was hiked to “high” late Monday morning.

The extended forecast calls for temperatures in the high 80s, and in many areas of the county, vegetation is beginning to cure.

This type of fine, dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland, and when fires get established in this fuel type they can quickly spread out of control, according to Jordan Koppen with the DNRC.

While outdoor debris burning by permit has been closed since July 2, Koppen notes that firefighters continue to respond to debris fires across the county. Additionally, several lightning-caused fires have sparked since last week.

While there are no additional fire restrictions currently, the Missoula County Fire Protection Agency (MCFPA) is urging people to be very cautious when having a campfire.

They should not be left unattended at any time until they are cool to the touch.