Next week is Wildfire Awareness Week in Montana!
May 29, 2013
Posted By: Shaunescy
Montana Parent Magazine is working with the Forest Service to increase awareness of forest fire danger and give Southwest Montana families a heads-up each week as to where the fire danger is high - We hope this will help you plan recreational activities as summer rolls along.
Today's post is something that you can share with your kids. After all, who doesn't love Smokey the Bear?
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Here is what Marianne Baumberger - Gallatin National Forest - West Zone Fire Info. & Education wants you to know today.
Wildfires are a part of the environment in Montana and as members of the community we all must do our part by taking the necessary steps to learn how to live with wildfire.
Let’s start by learning about fire danger:
LOW (Green)- Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in the woods spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn in irregular fingers.
MODERATE(Blue) - Fires can start from most accidental cause. Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot.
HIGH(Yellow)- All small dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and high-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of smaller fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult.
VERY HIGH(Orange)- Fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and increase quickly in intensity. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn into heavier fuels.
EXTREME(Red)- Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high fire danger class.
We are at low fire danger now.
Here at the Forest Service we are training and preparing for Montana’s wildland fire season. You can take steps to prepare for wildfire too…be aware, prepare, and do work around your home. We all have an important role to play in keeping our communities safe. To find out more go to www.FireSafeMT.org
