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Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Red Flag Conditions Could Fan Existing Fires, Ignite Others

A Red Flag Fire Weather Warning is posted for Tuesday afternoon for most of northwest and west-central Montana.
National Weather Service Missoula
A Red Flag Fire Weather Warning is posted for Tuesday afternoon for most of northwest and west-central Montana.

A Red Flag Fire Weather Warning is posted for Tuesday afternoon for most of northwest and west-central Montana.

National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Noble says the warning is in effect from 3:00 p.m. through midnight.

“There’s going to be a line of showers and thunderstorms that develop later today and some strong winds, especially out ahead of the line. That could be a problem for fire weather concerns today.”

Don’t expect much rain. Noble predicts the valleys may only get a few sprinkles at most. Areas directly under the storms could get up to a tenth of an inch, but any rainfall will move out quickly and probably won’t soak the ground.

Lightning could be another problem, according to Noble.

“There could be isolated scattered lightning strikes. It’s going to be hot and very dry today. Some areas are going to be approaching the upper 90s. We’ll probably see some records being broken as well.”

Missoula could set a record high temperature of 97 degrees by late Tuesday afternoon.

These predictions of hot temperatures, low humidity, scattered lighting and powerful winds have fire officials on edge.

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation spokesman Jordan Koppen:

“That just means that there a high potential of fire spread if the wind’s going to kick up. Any ignition sources out there could really make something go really fast.”

People are urged to be extremely careful with campfires, trailer chains, lawn mowers, chainsaws and other power tools.

Find more Montana wildfire news here.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
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