Agencies Underscore Fire Safety for Holiday

With Northeast Montana experiencing its worst drought on record for June, the need to be extremely cautious with fire, fireworks and other fire hazards has grown substantially this summer. According to Crystal Beckman of the Montana Department of Natural Resource Conservation, the need to be cautious with fire safety cannot be stressed enough, “even the smallest spark has the potential to cause significant damage.”

Beckman added that, “Fireworks are prohibited on state and federal lands; some counties and cities may have bans on fireworks, campfires and open burning. Please check with local officials to see if bans are in place in your area.”

A press release from the Interagency Dispatch Center in Miles City stated, “Firefighters want to inform the public that conditions are dry, and one small spark has the potential to cause a damaging wildfire.” The release stressed that people enjoying the celebratory holiday should take extra precautions with fireworks, campfires and other outdoor activities during their Independence Day celebrations. They added that people need to ensure campfires are cold to the touch before leaving the area. When towing, check tow chains to ensure they are not dragging on the ground, as they can spark, causing fires. Lastly, people need to remember that vehicles parked in or driven over tall grass can start a fire.

The DNRC also cautioned farmers to be careful during harvesting operations, urging them to have on-site fire suppression equipment like fire extinguishers, shovels and water tank with pump and hose, in the event a fire starts.

Remember: one less spark, means one less wildfire.