BOISE, Idaho (NMB) – The National Interagency Fire Center has released their summer and early fall outlook, and there is expected to be elevated fire risk throughout the region beginning in July.
According to projections, all of Montana east of the continental divide will have above normal significant wildland fire potential for July, August and September.
Curing of fire fuels is expected to begin in late June or early July and become ready to burn quickly if the weather pattern is warm and dry.
This comes as the Hi-Line remains in drought ranging from severe to extreme in part due to sustained below average precipitation in recent years.
About 80 percent of wildland fires in Montana are human caused, so Governor Greg Gianforte encourages residents to be cautious when recreating.
“When you’re out in the woods recreating, along the river, just be careful. Please, take precautions, just be careful of open flames and everything else that can spark these fires.”
