Big Sky Times

Stage 2 fire restrictions were imposed July 31 on the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County amid widespread wildfires, ignSaveited by dry lightning, that are now engulfing even more country across northwest Montana.

As dry lightning raced across the Mission Valley in northwest Montana July 29 and 30, wildfires broke out on the Flathead Indian Reservation and in the Flathead National Forest, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation active fire restriction map. 

It has been reported by the Montana Free Press that, in addition to the 1,991 acres that were destroyed by the Big Knife Fire, there are currently four other fires raging on the Flathead Reservation. Additionally, 17 new fires were reported to have started within the boundaries of the Flathead National Forest.

The Division of Fire of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is in charge of managing the flames at this time; the Big Knife Fire, in particular, is being monitored by a Complex Incident Management Team. The Middle Ridge Fire is currently the largest fire in the region, having consumed an estimated 10,970 acres of land thus far, Montana Free Press reported. A precarious situation has been made even more precarious as a result of the outbreak and spread of other flames.

The firefighters and rescue services are working feverishly to put the fires under control using massive pieces of equipment and little air backup. In places where the threat posed by wildfires is considered to be considerable, both warnings of an impending evacuation and orders for forced evacuations have been issued, Montana Free Press reported. 

The high potential for the occurrence of wildfires was the primary factor that led to the decision to implement fire restrictions. Given the present meteorological conditions, it is anticipated existing fires will continue to grow in size. On the other hand, the forecast predicts for a change to weather that is cooler and wetter, which suggests that respite may be on the horizon, according to Montana Free Press.

The Board of Lake County Commissioners has taken a number of preventative actions to adopt in order to lessen the likelihood of serious damage or loss of life. It is now against the law to have campfires, use chainsaws, smoke in areas that are not designated for it, weld and engage in any other activity that generates open flames, as well as grill.

During this drawn-out crisis, locals are being urged to rigorously adhere to the restrictions that have been put in place and to keep themselves updated on the most recent developments in order to protect not only themselves but also the safety of the community, Montana Free Press reported. As a result of the anticipated change in the weather, the authorities and firefighting workers in the area anticipate being able to gain control of the multiple wildfires that have been wreaking havoc in the region.