Extreme Fire Danger in Bitterroot National Forest [AUDIO]
With near record temperatures in the Bitterroot Valley this past week, local, state
and federal fire managers are cautioning local residents to use extreme care
when building campfires on the National Forest or when burning slash and other
debris around their homes and on their property.
Fire crews have also reported finding abandoned campfires on the National Forest
during the past few weeks. Users of the National Forest are reminded that
leaving abandoned campfires is a violation which carries a fine of up to $5,000
and six months in jail. During this high fire danger period, these campfires,
if left burning, could result in a wildfire that may threaten the safety of
those responding to the fire as well as the public, their homes and property,
and adjacent natural resources. Comments from Fire Manager Rick Floch are below.