Our Viewpoint: MT's fifth season

In Montana we have many seasons. There are the four regular seasons, but then there is hunting season and boating season, and probably the most recognizable, wildfire season.

In March, everyone is busy clearing up their yards and property. Both Plains and Thompson Falls will be sponsoring beautification days in the towns in an effort to help keep common areas clean and help neighbors clear out leftovers from fall and winter.

March also brings open burning season in Montana. It was pretty obvious March 1 when the season started as you started seeing plumes of smoke rising through the valley. Cleanup projects are occurring on public lands, and private property owners are starting to burn pastures, roadsides and piles of slash.

Mother Nature does its part to fuel wildfire season, but as land owners we can make sure we keep ourselves and those around us safe by taking safety precautions with open burning. The state sets guidelines with dates and local governments may impose restrictions during open burning season, but ultimately it's up to the land owner to watch weather conditions, be cautious of fuels and have defensive tools nearby in case a fire gets out of hand.

Happy Spring, and here's to a safe burning season.

— Annie Wooden