A dry forecast for the Lower Clark Fork

I was looking at the predicted weather for the summer by NOAA, northwest Montana is slated for a severe drought. As of today, March 21, the precipitation is 5 percent of normal for the month.

I was looking at the predicted weather for the summer by NOAA, northwest Montana is slated for a severe drought. As of today, March 21, the precipitation is 5 percent of normal for the month. It appears the total moisture for the Lower Clark Fork Basin is about 59 percent of normal. If this trend continues we may be in for a rough fire season. It was 100 years ago this summer that most of this area went up in flames. Are we going to have a repeat? No one knows, of course, but there are some things we can do to lessen the danger to our homes and property. In the case of a catastrophic wildfire, firefighters will be stretched thin. There is a very high liklihood that homes with restricted access (by firefighters standards) or defensible space may not be protected. Now is the time one can prepare for the worst.

Start by removing combustables away from structures, clearing the ladder fuels from forested areas and expanding the defenseable space around your home. It may be too dry to do any open burning in just a few weeks so it might be best to get that done right away. Usually the power companies cut off power to the area affected by a fire so you can not rely on using your well. I suggest you prepare for an alternate source of power or another source of firefighting equipment. It makes good sense to keep lawns mowed and as green as possible. Wood decks are a point of vulnerabilty. Falling burning embers can easily ignite a deck or material underneath it. In the event of a fire, wet down the wood decks, porches and steps. Those with animals should get together with neighbors and form plans to move livestock to safer areas if needed. Be prepared to take important documents and valuables at a moments notice. It all boils down to personal responsibility of our own property.

One great way to get some help on what to expect in a wildfire situation is call the DNRC office in Plains, 826-4724, and ask them to come to your property to give you their assessment. Calling the fire chief of your local department would be a good idea as well. These folks can give very good suggestions on how to give you the extra edge that may save your home and increase the safety of firefighters.

Switching subjects, remember the meeting at the Thompson Falls High School gym, 6 p.m., the 29th. I will give an update on the diseases the wolf is carrying in Montana. It is a serious issue to all of us.

Now that the candidate filing period is over, those who are running for public office are gearing up to campaign. All sorts of interesting things begin to happen, one of which is political rumors. Every campaign season there seems to be no end to them and this one appears to be no different.

You may contact me at 827-4645 or email me a ghinklesd7@gmail.com.