06/19/2025
⚠️ FIRE RISK ACROSS THE BLACKFEET NATION + FIREWORKS
Due to ongoing drought conditions, the Blackfeet Nation is at high risk for drought conditions. Their impacts on wildland and grass fire incidents includes open areas, residential zones, ceremonial grounds, and lands near forests and pasture. Even the smallest spark from a firework, cigarette, or hot vehicle can trigger a wildfire that spreads rapidly with devastating impact.
🔥 WILDLAND & GRASS FIRE DANGERS
Wildland fires are fast, unpredictable, and deadly. Here’s why they’re especially dangerous right now:
Dry grass and brush act like fuel. Fire can travel across fields in seconds. Especially with high local winds, they can carry embers over long distances, igniting fires far from the source.
Fires can destroy homes, threaten lives, harm livestock, and destroy cultural lands in the process.
In these conditions, we must take every step possible to prevent even a single flame from starting.
✅ WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION DO’S:
Clear defensible space (at least 30 feet) around homes and structures.
Store firewood and flammables away from buildings.
Use spark arresters on chainsaws and off-road vehicles.
Carry a shovel, water, and fire extinguisher when working or camping outdoors.
Check weather alerts and fire bans before any activity involving heat or flame.
Educate your family and neighbors about fire danger levels.
❌ WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION CAUTIONS:
❌ USE COMMON SENCE when burning garbage, brush, or fields. all open burning during drought will require you check if restrictions and conditions apply at this time.
❌ Do NOT park vehicles on tall grass, heat from exhaust can ignite a fire.
❌ USE COMMON SENSE when using fire pits or open flame unless explicitly said otherwise or any tribal restrictions apply.
❌ Do NOT ignore smoke, report suspicious smoke or fire to 911 immediately.
🎇 FIREWORKS + DROUGHT = DISASTER
As we enter holidays and celebrations, remember fireworks are one of the leading causes of fires during drought season. Even small, legal fireworks can start large fires.
⚠️ COMMUNITY GUIDANCE ON FIREWORKS:
Fireworks & sparks are the main ignition sources during drought conditions.
***REMEMER*** Firework season is here, some advice for the community on Firework Safety.
Only use on hard surfaces (asphalt, gravel, or concrete) never near grass, trees, or dry fields.
Keep a bucket of water and hose nearby at all times.
Light fireworks one at a time and back away quickly.
Soak spent fireworks in water before disposing in trash containers (remember!!! DO NOT PLACE HOT FIREWORKS IN PLACTIC TRASH CONTAINERS!!!)
Supervise children closely, fireworks alone cause thousands of ER visits annually during the month of July.
Altering Fireworks or misuse of fireworks in any fashion can and will cause life altering medical injury's. Do not use fireworks outside their intended use.
Read instruction carefully and never hold in hands unless instructed by manufacture guidelines.
All fireworks have the potential to cause blast & shrapnel related injuries. Even sparklers as harmless as they seem, sparklers burn at 1,200 F or higher.
Any and all firework related injuries. remember to call 911 immediately. Blackfeet EMS medical personnel & ambulances are available 24/7 to treat for firework related injuries.
Never use fireworks near residences with propane tanks, hay storage, uncut grass or livestock.
👩🚒 OUR MESSAGE TO THE BLACKFEET COMMUNITY:
We know that celebrations are important. They honor tradition, family, and identity. But celebration must not come at the cost of safety.
Let’s work together to:
✅ Protect our homes and sacred land
✅ Prevent injury to children, elders, and neighbors
✅ Support our first responders, who face increasing fire related calls during fire season
✅ Preserve wildlife and water sources that are already stressed by drought
🚒 WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP:
🔥 You see a fire start, or signs of smoke
🧯 A fire you tried to contain gets out of hand
🤕 Someone is burned, injured, or inhaling smoke
🆘 You hear or see fireworks causing property damage or risk
📞 Call 911 immediately. Do not wait. Seconds matter.
🙏 Thank you for taking responsibility, staying vigilant, and standing with us to keep our community safe.
From Blackfeet Fire Rescue.
