People sparking fires around the Valley

Firefighters in Northwest Montana have responded to numerous human-caused fires recently and agencies are asking the public to be mindful.

Initial attack efforts have been successful, but fire managers across Northwest Montana are concerned about the high number of human-caused fires and the challenge to suppress them as vegetation dries significantly, according to Flathead National Forest Public Affairs Officer Denise Germann.

For the past week, state and federal firefighters have responded to an average of one human-caused fire each day, and county and local fire departments have responded to several reports on a daily basis.

Abandoned campfires, escaped burns, discarded cigarettes and sparks from chainsaws and other combustible engines appear to be the ignition for many recent fires, she said in a news release.

Flathead County Fire Services Area Coordinator Lincoln Chute said, "The vegetation is drying, and we are seeing fires spread quickly."

He also emphasizes the open burning ban in Flathead County effective through the end of September.

Fire managers on the Kootenai National Forest and Lincoln County also emphasize the important role the public has in fire prevention, as most of their fire starts have been human-caused.

"This is the time of year for all of us to be fire safe," said Kootenai National Forest Fire Prevention Specialist Janette Turk.

She stressed that all campfires should be dead out when leaving or going to sleep at night, people should dispose of cigarettes properly, use spark arresters and adhere to county regulations regarding open burning.

Slash piles and other illegal burning have contributed to recent fire starts.

Turk also said all fire managers appreciate the public calling in smoke reports. Fire and smoke reports should be reported by calling 911.

Anyone causing a wildfire can be held financially responsible for damages and the cost of putting out that fire.