Sheriff's Office Urges Caution Today With Strong Winds

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office issued a warning today that everyone should exercise "extreme caution" until 9 p.m. this evening during the red flag warning that the Bozeman area is currently under.

The red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service and means that crucial fire weather conditions are occurring now for us locally, due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures.

Sustained winds are expected for the rest of the day between 35 to 45 mph with gusts mostly up to 65 mph. According to a press release from the sheriff's office, the lowest humidity will occur across lower elevation grassland areas where vegetation is driest. This, they worry, could contribute to rapid spread if a fire develops.

The sheriff's office commented that "over the years, we have seen first-hand how fast-moving fires can impact the valley during similar weather conditions."

Please Note: Open burning that requires a burn permit is currently closed in all county fire districts.

This red flag warning obviously has the attention of firefighters who are still working the Bridger Foothills Fire, which is currently 83% contained.

After Friday, it looks like the Bozeman is in for a nice run of good weather with sunshine and temperatures in the mid-60s to around 70F.