EBS STAFF
Over the weekend of July 19-21, Custer Gallatin National Forest located five abandoned campfires in Hyalite Recreation Area and one abandoned campfire near Fairy Lake, they explained in a July 21 Facebook post.
The same weekend, Forest Service crews responded to a wildfire near South Brackett Creek resulting in a 0.5-acre fire. The fire was discovered by Kyle Marvinney, forest protection officer with CGNF, who reported the fire to dispatch, according to reporting by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
“Abandoned campfires are easily preventable, and it is your responsibility to ensure your campfire is dead out before you leave your site,” stated the Facebook post. “If you choose to have a campfire, please drown, stir, feel, and repeat before leaving the area.”
The Brackett Creek fire was fully contained on July 21, and while the cause of that fire is under investigation, an unattended campfire is suspected.
CGNF advises recreationsists to call 911 if they see any signs of a wildfire starting, and reminds them that in Montana, leaving a campfire unattended or failing to extinguish it properly could result in a $200 fine. To fully extinguish a campfire, according to the Forest Service, first drown it with water, then stir the ashes until no heat is detected when touched.
