Environment

Land managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Ravalli County will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, following the county's lead.

With the fire danger now listed at “very high,” Missoula County on Tuesday took the near annual step of issuing an emergency wildfire proclamation and said the potential for “extreme” fire danger may be near.

If the state of Montana approves its application, an Australian company will explore for tungsten in the Flint Creek Range near Philipsburg.

Some wildland fire veterans are fearful that aggressive fire suppression tactics ordered by the Trump administration — coupled with extreme, fast-moving blazes — could put firefighters in danger as conditions escalate this month.

Mayor Lisa Brown is describing the inferno as “the worst natural disaster our region has faced.” More than 60,000 people were under evacuation orders.

With dozens of large fires burning across the Pacific Northwest, and nearly 2 million acres burned already, state leaders are calling for firefighting reinforcements and bracing for a grueling August.

As of this week, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has placed hoot-owl restrictions on many western Montana rivers due to high water temperatures.

The U.S. Forest Service is trying to hold a few regional fires at bay, but Saturday is predicted to bring weather that could put their work to the test.

This year’s short winter and minimal berry production means more of Montana’s bears are getting into trouble while looking for food anywhere they can get it.

Recent studies have linked wildfire smoke exposure to negative birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth.