As expected, Northwest Montana continues to be projected as above normal for fire activity through August and September. We can all be glad that the moisture we got at the end of June and the first of July pushed our fire season out from becoming active in early to mid July. But, with the current temperatures, low overnight temperature and… Read more →
The Current Wildland Fire Potential Outlook has been posted, and it refines the forecast for our fire season in Northwest Montana. We did see benefit from the significant moisture received over the past two weeks, so our season will be delayed until later in July. That is good news. But August and September are still forecast to be Above Normal… Read more →
Here is the weblink for the current outlook: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf As I said, the Outlooks issued June 1 and July 1 give us a much better picture of how the fire season might shape up. And, it is not looking good for Northwestern Montana. We are forecast to have a more active than normal fire season in July, August and September…. Read more →
[You can download the May 1 Fire Season Outlook by clicking here (PDF format, 1.03MB).] The Outlook is ominous for Northwest Montana. This is early — the June 1 and July 1 Outlooks will be much more reliable. However, it is enough to make us concerned about the fire season, more so than usual. Time to get things squared away… Read more →
Greetings! Here is the July/August/September Wildland Fire Potential Outlook issued today. No big change here: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf While we have appreciated the moisture we received lately, we are still behind in overall precipitation for the year. And while there is probability of showers in the forecast, I’m thinking things are going to dry out – and probably quickly by late July. … Read more →
Northwestern Montana (including the Flathead) is forecasted for above normal large fire potential starting in mid-July and continuing through August into at least mid-September. So, it has the potential to be a busy fire season in the North Fork. Click on the link below for the report. Allen Chrisman https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf
Here is the October 1 Wildland Fire Potential Outlook: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf Not much of a surprise here. As I was discussing with Lynn Ogle last week, we haven’t had a “season-ending” event, but the door is slowly closing on the fire season in the North Fork. Note the forecast for warmer temperatures and below average snowpack for the Northern Rockies over… Read more →
Following is an article that was sent by our good North Fork neighbor, Karina Pettey… Saturday, August 11, 2018: Lightning punctuated local radio chatter as my neighbors tried to pinpoint strikes from the predicted dry storm. Using lightning app technology and line of sight, they worked to identify potential areas to watch for smoke. For now, darkness shrouded the forest… Read more →
There is good news in the September/October/November National Wildland Fire Outlook that resonates with what we have seen in the North Fork. They accurately captured the season-slowing event we had on August 27 where we had widespread precip of 0.20” to 0.50” and snow on the mountains. As you all saw, that coupled with seasonal trend to shorter burning period,… Read more →
Great turnout for the Fire Training at the Hall last Thursday with some 25 people in attendance! Gary Mahugh did an excellent job going over some of the fundamentals. Thanks to Dick Leigh for being the energy behind this. And thanks to Janet Leigh for the potluck pulled pork main dish! We’ll be thinking about hosting a similar session next… Read more →