Strong Winds, Dry Conditions Seriously Raise Fire Danger In Montana

Huge portions of northeast Montana are under Red Flag Warnings for fire danger. High temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds are a recipe for wildfires. These can be especially dangerous in Montana's rural areas with fewer resources to fight them.

FYI - Fire season in Montana generally runs from May through October, but Mother Nature does whatever she wants. The 'start' of wildfire season depends on many factors, and different parts of Montana have different start dates.

Montana's northeast corner is in the danger zone on Friday, along with the entire western half of North Dakota.

"For the last three years, Montana has seen above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation. In July 2021, almost half of the state, 49%, experienced extreme drought." (Western Fire Chiefs Association)

• The National Weather Service in Glasgow has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 8 PM this evening.
• AFFECTED AREA...ZONES 120 AND 122
• WIND...West northwest at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 35 mph.
• HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.
• IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
• Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Included in these Red Flag/Fire Weather Warnings: Glendive, Sidney, Terry, Fallon, (much of I-94). Wolf Point, Medicine Lake, Plentywood, Scobey, and many others.

A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON FRIDAY TO 8 PM THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 134.

• WHERE...Fire weather zone 134.
• WIND...West northwest at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 35 mph.
• HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.
• IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning.

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