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Be aware of increased fire danger

| July 12, 2007 11:00 PM

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

Triple digit heat waves and low humidity levels could turn this summer into a dangerous fire season.

"Some summers there is no risk - the risk this year is substantial," Flathead County Fire Warden Rick Trembath said. "It's early for such conditions. We're setting records."

Last week, area fire departments received a red flag notice, which is a high-alert status for fire crews in case of a fire. Blazes are already springing to life, which puts homes, businesses and wildland at risk for destruction.

Trembath said that the dry conditions coupled with this area's high fuel load make for excellent fire conditions. He pointed to the East Shore of Flathead Lake as a prime example of an area that could get out of hand quickly if a fire started. The tremendous amount of fuel, coupled with steep slopes and a steady wind off the lake could push a fire from the East Shore to the top of Crane Mountain in three to four hours.

All of Montana is running a high fire risk. The Fool Creek fire in the Lewis and Clark National Forest grew from 50 acres to nearly 3,000 acres in one day. The smoke plume was visible over the Swan Range.

Current Energy Release Component maps by the Northern Rockies Coordination Center show that northwest Montana is much above normal - the highest rating.

The Energy Release Component (ERC) is a calculated output of the National Fire Danger Rating System. The ERC is considered a composite fuel moisture index as it reflects the contribution of all live and dead fuels to potential fire intensity.

Graphs rating the ERC also show that 2007 is on track to be one of the worst on record. This season's ERC rating is well ahead of the year 2000, which was a bad fire year.

The high potential for wildland fire means area homeowners must take precautions to protect their property.

"The responsibility is really on the homeowners," Trembath said. "[The fire departments] can only do so much."

Response times can be slow, especially in the afternoon, when many volunteers are working.

Trembath said that small ignitions near homes and neighborhoods are bigger threats than the large smoke plumes over the horizon.

"Expect a fire in your neighborhood and know how to deal with it," Trembath said.

Trembath said there are numerous resources available to help homeowners deal with fire danger. Firewise.org is a very useful Web site with practical tips on how to reduce fire risk around your home. There is still Firewise grant money available through the Bigfork Fire Department that helps pay for the costs involved with creating a reduced-risk property.

"Most people around here realize they live in a fire prone area and have done thinning and fuel reduction," Trembath said.

A home's wildfire risk is determined by numerous factors including fuel, weather and terrain. Understanding each element will help protect homes and property.

Firewise suggests breaking property into three zones:

Zone 1 includes all area within 30 feet of a house. This area should be well-irrigated and free from fuels that may ignite your home including dry vegetation, clutter and debris. Flammable attachments to your home, such as wooden decks, are considered part of the home and the Zone 1 perimeter should extend 30 feet beyond these attachments.

Zone 2 includes land 30 to 100 feet from your home. Firewise suggests tree spacing of 20-30 feet with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees. Prune trees so branches and leaves are at least six to 10 feet above the ground. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris.

Zone 3 extends 100 to 200 feet from the house. Treat similar to Zone 2, making sure to reduce tree density. If the crowns of trees are touching, this can promote a high-intensity crown fire that may easily throw sparks onto a home.

A home's roof is one of the most vulnerable areas for fire starts. Homeowners should remove dead branches overhanging the roof. Also, remove branches within 10 feet from your chimney and clean dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.