Help Prevent Wildfires this Holiday Weekend
Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
Contact(s): Leona Rodreick
Hot and dry temperatures are predicted for the upcoming holiday weekend, and firefighters are asking for the public’s help to prevent human-caused wildfires. “We are asking the public to be extremely vigilant when out recreating this holiday weekend and to take all fire safety precautions,” says Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Fire Management Officer Mike Goicoechea. “So far this year we have extinguished 11 human caused fires. The number of these human caused fires is taken into consideration when we determine if fire restrictions are necessary.”
A U.S. Forest Service fire prevention order is in effect making it a misdemeanor to carry, discharge or otherwise use fireworks on federal lands. Violations to the order may bring fines and jail time, and violators who start wildfires can also be liable for the costs of damage and suppression.
In addition to fireworks, the use of incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets is prohibited on federal lands. In general, please be proactive and take precautions while shooting by clearing all flammable materials and rocks away from the target area and make sure to have fire safety equipment on hand (shovel, fire extinguisher and/or water). Sparks from steel core/steel jacketed bullet fragments have been found to cause fires as much as lead core/copper jacketed and solid copper jacketed fragments.
During the summer, kongming lanterns, sky candles, fire balloons and sky lanterns are being used at a variety of celebrations. Such items are a fire hazard if they come into contact with dry vegetation.
Sparks can be thrown from vehicles and trailers that are not properly maintained, causing roadside fires without knowledge of the driver. So before you depart, make sure your vehicle and trailers are properly maintained by ensuring safety chains are not dragging, wheel bearings are well greased and tires are properly inflated to help prevent a blown tire.
The effects from an escaped campfire can last for many years; please completely extinguish your campfire before you leave. Before heading out to camp, find out what restrictions are in effect by going to http://firerestrictions.us
For more information, call the Forest Service in Dillon, Butte, Ennis, Sheridan, Wisdom, Wise River, or Philipsburg, or go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf.