Fire outlook report predicts above normal season

MINERAL COUNTY – According to information provided by officials at the Superior Ranger Station, the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook from Predictive Services at the National Interagency Fire Center indicate above normal conditions in June, July, August and September for fire potential.

In June, the report indicates above normal conditions in the Northern Rockies and the Northwest due to dry areas. In July, above normal conditions will continue to spread through the area. In August and September, above normal conditions will persist in areas such as Mineral County.

The report also states temperatures in May were higher than normal in the Northwestern part of the U.S.  Other parts of the country are in better shape, having received higher than normal levels of precipitation but the Northern Rockies were not so lucky. In June through September, the report states there was a high probability of warmer than normal temperatures.

In Western Montana, according to the report, the snowpack has been significantly less than in previous years and “will not contribute significant moisture to fuels.” This could lead to an earlier than normal beginning of fire activity in the region.

According to information in the outlook, “significant fire potential is expected to be above normal for north central Idaho and extreme western Montana in June.” The above normal potential will continue to expand through western Montana through the remainder of the outlook period.

The report states, “the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook is intended as a decision support tool for wildland fire managers, providing an assessment of current weather and fuels conditions and how these will evolve in the next four months. The objective is to assist fire managers in making proactive decisions that will improve protection of life, property and natural resources, increase fire fighter safety and effectiveness, and reduce firefighting costs.”