July 16, 2008

Despite adequate moisture levels and a milder summer than last year, the West still faces the risks of Fire Season. A few weeks of above average temperatures can dry out fuels and invite wild fires and inversion. Make sure that you protect your health and property and have the necessary information to ensure a safe summer.

Potential risks include personal injury due to burns or decreased air quality, and damage or destruction of property. This time of year is especially risky for those suffering from respiratory or chronic health conditions. Please consider and share the resources available below.

• For Information on "Survivable Space" around your home: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fire/guides/Living_With_Fire/PAGE4.pdf
• For Information on Emergency Evacuation, this tri-fold brochure can be downloaded by clicking on the icon:

• Access general fire and emergency preparedness information by visiting: http://www.montanahelp.org/
• For information on assisting those with asthma or other chronic health conditions, please visit our Healthy Indoor Air homepage at: http://www.healthyindoorair.org/lnks.htm

For More Information,Contact: Barb Allen, MSU Extension Healthy Indoor Air Program Manager (406) 994-3531, blallen@montana.edu; Mike Vogel, MSU Extension Housing and Environmental Health Specialist (406) 994-3451, mvogel@montana.edu.