By Jeff Kushner, Victor Fire District
Saturday afternoon embers from a burn barrel with a screen on top started a large multi-acre fire between two residences in the northern part of the Victor Volunteer Fire District. In addition to Victor Fire, crews from Stevensville and Corvallis provided mutual aid in order to control the fire which originally raged in a section of heavy duff and trees between the two houses.
The fire was started as a result of embers from a burn barrel even though it had a screen on top. Ravalli County Commissioners closed open burning as of Thursday, July 13, banning burning of debris piles, slash piles, burn barrels, ditches and fields.”
Scott Hackett, Victor Fire Chief, stated, “It is getting really dry out there and given the moisture this spring, there is a lot of fuel waiting for a spark to start a serious wildfire putting homes and people in danger.” He cautions people to be very careful even with camp and recreational fires as winds can come up in a hurry in the Bitterroot. Cooperation on the part of the public is greatly appreciated by all the volunteer firefighters in the Valley.