Fire Danger Improves to “High” For Western Montana [AUDIO]

Fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association  have moved the fire danger to “High” starting on Tuesday August 19.

On July 29, the fire danger level was increased to 'Very High'. Public Information Officer for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Jordan Koppen said recent rains have improved conditions slightly.

"We had some wetting conditions last week, and this week there are supposed to be two hot days, followed by another low-pressure system, so we decided to go with fire danger level as 'High", Koppen said. "That is good news, but we still have extremely dry conditions out there, and we're still asking the public to be very cautious."

Despite the improvement in the fire danger level, Koppen says State One restrictions are still in place.

"All the restrictions are still in place," he said. "All of our cooperating agencies are discussing it, but there are still no campfires allowed, and all open burning is still closed down."

 Public Information Officer for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Jordan Koppen