Fire danger bumped to 'very high'

Most of Northwest Montana was moved to very high fire danger Tuesday due to prolonged high temperatures, dry fuels and low humidity.

Kootenai National Forest and Libby were upgraded to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective July 27.

Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit building or using a fire or campfire outside of a developed recreation site or improved site and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, humans caused 16 fires within the past week, due to illegal debris burns, dragging chains, campfires and cigarettes.

Officials reminded citizens to adjust chains connected to their vehicles to prevent dragging, to never leave a campfire unattended and to put them out completely before leaving. Do not park or drive in tall grassy areas and do not burn debris during fire season.

For updates on fire restrictions across the state, visit www.firerestrictions.us.

Burnout operations conducted Tuesday evening on eastern flank of the Highway 37 Fire near Libby were successful, allowing for a complete line around the perimeter and no further growth Wednesday.

The line, called a black line, was intended to prevent unburned materials around the fire’s lower edge from igniting, which would allow the fire to spread.

According to the incident overview of the fire, firefighting efforts have been taking longer than usual due to a need for specially trained personnel and equipment, which had to be ordered.

Containment remained at 10 percent on Wednesday.

Travelers along Highway 37 are reminded to use caution when driving between mile markers 4 and 5 as rocks and debris have the potential to roll onto the road. Expect intermittent closures as crews work to keep the road clear and limit speed through the area. Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies are continuing traffic control efforts along the highway.

The Bacon Rind fire continued to spread through heavy fuels south of Big Sky on Wednesday, reaching a total estimated 340 acres.

Around 140 acres are burning within Yellowstone National Park, and fire officials continue to monitor fire models in an effort to predict its behavior. They said the fire is far from West Yellowstone.

Two 20-person crews and two light helicopters were assigned to the fire.

No structures or roads were under threat, though smoke remained visible from Highway 191.

Personnel assigned farther south, to the Reynolds Lake Fire, began decreasing in number on Wednesday as crews continued to contain the blaze with no additional growth.

Around 170 firefighters remained on scene with containment at around 50 percent of the perimeter.

West Yellowstone, Frenchtown and Broadus saw moderate air quality conditions Wednesday with Birney rising to unhealthy smoke conditions.

For updates on air quality across the state, visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.