An unattended campfire was reported around 3 p.m. on Wednesday at a campsite in Moose Creek campground near Helena, Montana, reported KRTV. Helena U.S .Forest Service Engine Foreman Owen Johnson said the fire smoldered through the night before being discovered the next day. Fortunately, it never escaped its fire ring, but had the potential of growing into another disastrous wildfire.
“Things are getting hotter, things are getting dryer, and as summer progresses especially these next couple days and weeks, things are going to really dry out,” said Johnson. “If any heat can be felt in the fire pit that means more work needs to be done to put it out completely.”
Johnson said he hopes people are able to get out and enjoy the forest, but asks people to be responsible when extinguishing their campfires.
Also on August 1, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office said crews contained a small fire that broke out on Sheep Mountain northwest of Clancy.
In another fire-related article posted Thursday, The Chilliwack Progress states that so far this year, British Columbia Wildfire Service personnel have responded to 1,260 wildfires. About 340 of those – or 27% – were caused by people, so do not ignore campfire restrictions as firefighters work on the frontlines of more than 300 blazes currently burning across B.C.
With the dry conditions and the fires burning in the West everyone should give some real thought about having a campfire. I know most enjoy the smell and memories of a fire. If you should decide to have one please check to ensure it is out when you are done with it.