Conditions tinder dry in Idaho woods
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September 21, 2012 |
A lack of rain and persistent warm and dry
weather across the Idaho Panhandle are combining
to keep much of the forest in “very high” fire
danger as we transition into fall.
Forest visitors are being urged to exercise
extreme caution with campfires, cigarettes and
other sources of ignition as they venture into
the woods for hunting, camping, firewood
gathering and other recreational pursuits.
Current long term weather outlooks indicate no
break in the weather pattern in the foreseeable
future, which means the fire danger is likely to
remain very high for at least a few more weeks.
“We are very concerned about the dry conditions
throughout the forest and the occurrence of
human caused fires,” said Forest Supervisor Mary
Farnsworth. “We need the public’s help in
preventing wildfire.”
During this year’s fire season firefighters
across the Idaho Panhandle National Forests have
successfully suppressed one hundred percent of
the 12 human caused and 42 lightning caused
fires they have responded to.
However, in these conditions it only takes one
smoldering campfire or cigarette carelessly
tossed out a window to cause the kind of
devastating wildfires we have witnessed
throughout the west this year. Campers, hunters,
and those operating chainsaws for firewood
gathering should be extra vigilant when it comes
to preventing wildfire in these dry conditions.
Information on how to make sure your campfire is
“dead out” and other fire prevention tips can be
found at
www.smokeybear.com or by contacting your
local
Forest Service office. |
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