The Bureau of Land Management is cautioning Montanans about the high fire risk anticipated for the remainder of the summer. Officials at the agency have noted that the soaring temperatures are causing trees, shrubs, and grass to dry out, increasing the likelihood of a severe and prolonged fire season.
BLM Fuel Specialist David Day frequently encounters this issue. Day spends hours every two to three weeks collecting samples of vegetation to analyze. “Today, I’m gathering mostly live fuel samples,” Day explained at his work site near Roundup. “We’ll start with ponderosa pine.”
Day surveys the area, collects various plant specimens, and places them in containers for weighing back at his office. After 24 hours in an oven, he re-weighs them to determine the moisture content. This data aids in comparing trends and seasonal variations, as well as predicting fire activity and response.
BLM Meteorologist Dan Borsum uses this data, along with weather forecasts, to forecast fire season severity. “Current conditions are conducive to increased fire activity in the region,” Borsum stated, citing above-average temperatures with no relief in sight.
Borsum emphasized the rising fire risk due to the current heatwave, making the landscape more susceptible to fires. This alarming situation will continue to be monitored as summer progresses. “It’s a cause for concern at this point in the year,” Day remarked. “There could still be three more months of potential fire season ahead.”
