Fire Watch

DNRC extends wildfire season

Posted: Sep 27, 2012 7:33 AM by Q2 News
Updated: Sep 27, 2012 7:33 AM

HELENA, MT - Wildfires still threaten much of Montana because of a lack of rain and dry conditions, so the Department of Natural resources and Conservation (DNRC) announced it will extend the wildfire season.
The fire season normally ends on September 30th and the extension makes it easier for counties to impose fire restrictions.
DNRC director Mary Sexton and Forestry Division Administrator Bob Harrington signed the proclamation for an indefinite extension.
In the last month, lightning has not been such a factor, with more fires have been human caused.
"We really won't be able to say that fire season is over, until what we have what our fire managers call a season ending event," said John Grass, public information officer for the DNRC. "Which is a significant rain or snow event, which puts an end to the large fires which are currently burning and puts enough moisture into the ground to reduce the fire danger that has been with us now since the end of June."
The DNRC encourages people to take extreme caution with off-road vehicle use, field use of cutting torches or welding equipment, camp fires, or any other activities that could potentially start a wildfire.

Topics: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, DNRC, Montana, Helena