Montana fires

### Daily Wildfire Report for Montana - April 24, 2025

#### Overview
Montana is experiencing a mix of weather conditions that could impact wildfire risk, particularly with the onset of warmer and drier periods. While the current situation is not as severe as in some other states, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential wildfires.

#### Current Situation
- **Fire Activity:** As of the latest national reports, Montana is not listed among the states with significant large uncontained fires. However, the national context indicates an above-average fire season, which could imply a heightened risk for new fire starts[1][5].
- **Active Fires:** There are no major active wildfires reported in Montana as of the latest incident management situation report. However, the state's fire risk is influenced by regional weather patterns and fuel conditions.
- **Prescribed Burns:** There are no reported prescribed burns currently ongoing in Montana, but neighboring regions like Oregon are conducting such operations to reduce fire fuels, which might indirectly influence local fire management strategies[2].

#### Key Details
- **Weather Conditions:** The weather forecast for Montana indicates a relatively dry Thursday with cool highs in the low 50s and upper 40s. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, which could potentially spread any new fire starts. Mountain showers in the southern part of Gallatin, Madison, and Beaverhead counties may provide some relief but are not expected to significantly impact the overall dry conditions[4].
- **Fire Risk:** Although there are no major fires currently reported in Montana, the dry conditions and wind forecasts suggest a moderate to elevated fire risk. Residents should be prepared and aware of any changes in fire conditions.
- **Air Quality:** There are no significant smoke impacts reported in Montana at this time, but residents should be aware of potential smoke from prescribed burns in neighboring areas or new fire starts.

#### Recommendations
- **Public Awareness:** Residents are advised to stay informed about local fire conditions and weather forecasts. It is important to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
- **Resource Allocation:** Fire agencies are likely on standby, ready to respond to any new fire starts. Residents should be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts if a fire were to occur.

#### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
- **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)
- **Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Fire Information:** [dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry/fire/fires](https://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry/fire/fires)
- **AirNow.gov for smoke impacts:** [airnow.gov](https://airnow.gov)

#### Fire Weather and Wind Warnings
- **Wind Conditions:** Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, which could potentially spread any new fire starts. Residents should be cautious and report any signs of wildfires promptly[4].

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

CITATIONS

['https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf', 'https://bendbulletin.com/2025/04/24/prescribed-burn-puffs-smoke-west-of-bend/', 'https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/apr/24/as-wildfires-intensify-utilities-want-liability-pr/', 'https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/montana-morning-headlines-thursday-april-24-2025', 'https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn']