By Fischer Genau EDITORIAL INTERN
Fire danger is on the rise in Big Sky and surrounding areas. As temperatures this week approach 90F, and with no end of the current heat wave in sight, fuel stores are drying out and bringing the risk of wildfire from moderate to high danger within the next two weeks, according to Big Sky Deputy Fire Chief Seth Barker.
“We are in moderate danger both in the U.S. National Forest and federal land, and I would expect the weather to accelerate our fire danger to high very, very quickly,” Barker said.
On Wednesday, rainstorms in the Gallatin Canyon and surrounding foothills helped to counteract the effects of the heat wave, but temperatures are projected to remain in the 80Fs for the next two weeks, and with plenty of sun and little rain, people in Big Sky will have to exercise caution.
“We need our visitors and our residents to stay vigilant and stay observant of the weather patterns around them,” Barker said.
Barker asks that people not have outside fires if at all possible and, when grilling outside, ensure it’s contained and on a deck rather than near a fuel source. Open burning is also closed due to conditions.
Barker reminds us that the 2021 Porcupine Fire, the last wildfire to threaten homes in Big Sky, was caused by target shooting, so anyone firing a gun outside should be mindful of fuel behind their target. Bigskyfire.org, Firewise, and the Fire Adapted Big Sky Wildfire Hub all provide more resources and information on mitigating wildfire danger.
Last summer saw heavy rainfall through August, so fire danger never became extreme, but Big Sky residents should prepare for a much higher risk of wildfires this year.
“Let’s keep burning to a minimum, let’s not light any more fireworks this year, and let’s be super safe and vigilant out there,” Barker said.
