Burn Ban Issued Due To High Winds
Roosevelt County Fire Warden Mike Olson told the Northern Plains Independent at press time Tuesday, April 5, that a countywide burn ban was put in place Monday due to high winds. He said he expects the fire threat to diminish as winds die down in the area but added that similar warnings and restrictions will be issued intermittently.
“It’s all driven by the wind right now,” said Olson.
Olson said the current ban extends to the whole county, including municipalities like Culbertson and Wolf Point. It is expected to be lifted by Wednesday, April 6.
The National Weather Service Glasgow says a winter weather advisory is in place through Wednesday, with a mix of rain and snow possible as a weather system moves through our area. Olson said lower temperatures and even light precipitation can give a false impression of low fire risk. “The temps are cooler but when you get 40 mph winds, we got a problem,” Olson said.
“With the high winds and dry humidity, critical fire weather will be reached in parts of Northeast Montana,” states an April 5 social media post from NWSF. The organization issued a Red Flag Warning through April 6 for parts of Phillips, Petroleum, Garfield and Valley Counties. Residents are advised to show caution.