Montana Wildfires Still Raging

Part of the beauty of living in Montana is the unpredictable nature of nature itself. It can be crystal clear bluebird skies one minute, and snowing the next.  Lately, the random weather Montana is so famous for has fueled a major disaster.  A majority of the state is under a red flag warning, which essentially means that fire danger could not be any higher than it already is.  Our often chilly, snowy environment has been dried into a tinderbox, and the raging wildfires whipping around the canyons are there to prove it.

Colorado received a large amount of media attention regarding wildfires in the last few days; and rightfully so.  Our hearts go out to our friends and family on the other side of the Rocky Mountains.  Hopefully the brave men and women risking their lives to bring these fires under control will be able to do so safely, and with minimal losses.

Despite the degree of attention the Colorado fires have received, this tragic fire season has gripped Montana equally.  In fact, Montana now has more than 323 square miles burning, making it the most fire-torn state in the country right now.  The main fires burning right now are the Ash Creek fire, the Bear Trap fire, the Dahl fire, the Pony fire, and the Corral fire.  Each of these wildfires has consumed an almost unthinkable amount of formerly fertile land.

A majority of the Montana wildfires are thought by officials to have been started by lightning strikes, and exacerbated by hot, dry weather and high winds.  Unfortunately, some of these uncontrollable fires were created by humans, and completely preventable.  The fire in the lower Madison River’s Bear Trap area was caused by fireworks.  Although this is the time of year that many people are in a celebratory mood, it is important to consider the consequences that can arise when using fireworks.

If there is any silver lining in this disaster, it is that the indomitable Montana sunset hasn’t been harmed, and has perhaps even been improved by the hazy, smoke-laden atmosphere.  Orange, pink and magenta clouds dominate the horizon in the late afternoons as a constant reminder that although nature is more than willing to take, it never stops giving either.