By Michael Howell
High temperatures and drought conditions not generally seen until August have driven the fire danger on the Bitterroot National Forest steadily upward. It’s been so hot and dry that fireworks celebrations up and down the valley were cancelled when high winds were forecast for the fourth of July.
On June 29, when a lightning storm passed through the valley there were over 175 confirmed lightning strikes on the Bitterroot National Forest. Seven lightning caused fires were discovered and extinguished before growing more than two acres in size. Two new lightning caused fires less than a quarter of an acre in size were spotted the next day and contained. Containment signifies that a control line has been completed around the fire, and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread.
All these fires were extinguished by July 1 and all were kept from spreading more than two acres.
On July 3, the Canyon Creek Fire, located on the West Fork Ranger District in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, was spotted by air about 20 miles southwest of Hamilton. Its size was estimated at one and a half acres. Four Heli-Rappellers from Salmon, Idaho were sent in to fight it. By July 5, the fire was successfully contained.
Despite the high winds that swept through late Sunday afternoon, no new fires have been reported on the forest as of Monday, July 6, according to BNF executive assistant Joni Lubke.
Fire danger remains “very high” on the Bitterroot National Forest and no significant change in the weather is expected in the near future. Under these conditions fires will start easily and spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity such as long-distance spotting. These fires can be very difficult to control.
The Forest moved to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, July 3. Campfires will only be allowed within a designated campground or recreation site which contains a Forest-provided fire ring. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. To learn more about restrictions, visit http://firerestrictions.us/.