Campfire Safety in Montana

Montana’s stunning wilderness and natural beauty make it a paradise for campers and outdoor lovers, especially during the summer months. During the summer, the state faces a serious risk: wildfire season.

If you are camping and spending time outdoors in Montana, it's important to clean up after yourself and respect the public spaces that we all share. One person's mistake can ruin things for everyone else.

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Fire Season in Montana: How You Can Help Keep Our State and Firefighters Safe

According to the Custer Gallatin National Forest, over the weekend of July 19th through 21st, forest crews discovered several abandoned campfires in the Hyalite Recreation Area, and one near Fairy Lake. These unattended fires are a dangerous threat, capable of sparking devastating wildfires that put lives, homes, and natural habitats at risk.

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In September 2020, the Bridger Foothills Fire burned over 8,000 acres and destroyed 68 structures, according to Gallatin Water Collaborative. The fire was started by lightning.

The good news is that most wildfires caused by campfires are preventable. Every camper and outdoor enthusiast carries the responsibility to fully extinguish their campfires before leaving the site. If you start a fire, you need to make sure it's truly out before you leave.

Pour water on the fire, stir, and keep pouring water until all of the red embers are gone. Repeat the process until fire is completely extinguished and no hot spots remain.

With Montana’s dry conditions during fire season, even a single neglected campfire can lead to catastrophic damage. By taking simple, careful steps to ensure campfires are dead out, you protect not only the forest but also firefighters who risk their lives battling wildfires and the communities and people that depend on these public lands.

Stay safe, respect the land, and let’s work together to keep Montana’s beautiful forests protected this fire season.

Montana's 8 Worst Natural And Man-Made Disasters

Over the years, Montana has experienced significant natural and man-made disasters that have resulted in not only the loss of lives, but millions of acres lost, along with tens of millions of dollars in damages.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf