'Tis the season - Zortman Area Fire

[OpenCountry]

This could get ugly quick with the current conditions. Hopefully everybody stays safe and the fire gets taken care of sooner than later.


https://www.google.com/amp/billings...682a7673-0b58-5b8f-b750-872dfaa200d4.amp.html

 

[JMG]

No kidding. That north central, central (breaks) area, and northeast corner of Montana is in very much need of moisture. This could shape up to be a bad fire year in these parts. The weather is predicted to have a ten day stretch of 100 and upper 90's temperatures.
I'll pray for rain and some relief from some of these high temperatures.

 

[mtmiller]

Just drove past on my way back from SD trip. Lots of smoke.

This was around noon today.

Crappy cell phone....my bighorn pics will be better quality. hahaha

 

[Nameless Range]

1000 acres now.

http://www.ktvh.com/2017/07/july-fire-near-zortman-reaches-1000-acres

 

[Southern Elk]

I was just thinking things could start getting bad with all of the hot dry weather.

 

[Nameless Range]

I suppose for many HuntTalkers temperatures like this aren't a big deal. This will dry a lot of fuels out in Montana.



http://www.kxlh.com/story/35811284/no-end-in-sight-to-montanas-heat-wave

 

[mtmiller]

(MALTA, Mont.) – The area burned by the July Fire is closed until further notice due to public safety concerns.

The closure applies to all forms of motorized and non-motorized travel, including foot traffic within the July Fire area of the Little Rocky Mountains in Phillips County, Montana.

Fire weakened roots and limbs on a significant amount of standing timber throughout the burned area. These hazard trees are expected to fall at random times during the foreseeable future, posing a serious safety risk to the American public.

“We will be monitoring this area every few weeks, specifically through the first few large precipitation events to see what kind of hazard tree downfall we have.” said Bureau of Land Management Malta Field Manager Tom Darrington. “This is a place families, friends and neighbors like to recreate, hunt, gather wood and enjoy outdoor activities, so we are interested in reopening the area as soon as possible.”

Soils have also become unstable due to the weakened root structures. Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation efforts are underway to reduce hazardous conditions and prevent soil erosion. In critical areas, crews are placing straw waddles and wood straw mulch. Certain areas are being reseeded with a native seed mix.

“Once the area is reopened, we will be looking for opportunities to work with the local user groups to assist us in clearing trails and making the area safe for public travel once again.”

The BLM is committed to making America great through shared conservation and respects the ties that native and traditional communities have to public lands in the Little Rocky Mountains. As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as we pursue our multiple-use mission.