Cooler weather assists local firefighting efforts

The wildfire season in Sanders County was in like a lion and out like a lamb.

The Niarada fire, which started July 30 and burned 20,370 acres, is now listed at 100% contained.The lightning-caused fire burned four structures. The River Road East fire in Paradise as of Tuesday was 54% contained and had burned 17,310 acres.

Agencies across Northwest Montana have rescinded fire restrictions. Sanders County Commissioners voted last Wednesday to remove fire restrictions and Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) also reopened access sites. FWP had closed portions of the Clark Fork and Flathead rivers due to fire danger. “While conditions have improved, the fire continues to burn in the area, and recreationists are urged to be aware of fire conditions and weather,” stated an FWP press release.

Nearly 300 personnel, as well as two helicopters and 14 engines, are working to fully contain the River Road East fire. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which burned 15 homes and more than 55 structures. Weekend rains helped reduce fire activity. Last week, the incident management team conducted fire operations to reduce the amount of fuels available to burn.

FWP reminds fall hunters to drown all campfires with water and stir. Keep fires small and controllable. Never leave a campfire unattended. Completely extinguish all cooking and warming fires, even if you're leaving camp for a short period of time. For the latest information on fires in Montana, visit http://www.mtfireinfo.org.