8 Easy Ways to Help Prevent Wildfires in Montana
Thankfully, this year's fire season in Montana came a bit later than last year's, but it's safe to say that it's here in full force.
Montana has recently experienced a number of hot summer days with little to no moisture. The abundance of undergrowth created by heavy rain in the spring is starting to dry out. Montana is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we all need to do our part to protect it and help prevent wildfires.
The Elmo Fire is the largest fire currently burning in Montana. The fire, located on the western shore of Flathead Lake, has burned 18,427 acres so far and is 16% contained. The InciWeb website is a great resource if you want to stay updated on fires in Montana.
According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, over 60% of wildfires in Montana are human-caused. That's a pretty staggering statistic. Many of the wildfires in Montana are preventable. It's really not that hard. Just avoid doing things that are known to cause wildfires. Bozeman Fire recently shared some tips on how to prevent wildfires.
Human-caused wild-land fires can be broken down into eight categories:
- Campfires
- Smoking
- Debris burning
- Arson
- Equipment
- Railroad
- Children
- Miscellaneous (fireworks, explosives, ammunition, gas/oil)
The mountain views in Montana are unparalleled, and it's sad to see them clouded in wildfire smoke. Additionally, wildfire smoke can cause serious health problems.
Many wildfires in Montana's history could have been easily prevented if residents and visitors were educated and had taken proper precautions. Starting a wildfire can lead to huge fines and even time in jail. There are lots of reasons to use a little extra caution during wildfire season.