The ‘dog days’ of summer

 

LAME DEER, Mont. – They call it the “dog days” of summer. That is when it is so hot all you want to do is lay around, maybe under the porch, like an old dog, somewhere cool. If not that, seek refuge by a fan or air conditioner.

The temperatures in southeastern Montana have been nearly unbearable recently – reaching up to 110 degrees. That is when going outside, especially for the elderly or infirm, can literally be life threatening. Radio stations and the Public Health Service have been issuing warnings about the dangers that extreme heat can pose.

Recently a young Cheyenne man was trying to hitchhike from Northern Cheyenne to Pine Ridge via Broadus in these conditions. Since no one offered a ride, he decided to take a little rest, but succumbed to heat stroke. Fortunately, he was discovered in time and helivaced to a Billings hospital. According to public health announcements, heatstroke can have lingering health effects.

In addition, according to the Bureau of Land Management, Montana Dakota State Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is currently surrounded by four major fires caused by lighting and located south of Birney and north of the Tongue River Reservoir in Rosebud and Big Horn Counties. As of July 17, those included the Deadman (19,088 acres); McGhee (8,379 acres); Prairie (6,540 acres) and Four Mile (2,082 acres). Some are somewhat under control; others are not.

The smoke from these fires has caused it to be very hazy, an additional health risk for people with respiratory problems.

The most recent update is that the Tongue River Reservoir, a popular boating, camping, and fishing area has been temporarily closed due to fire danger. In Big Horn County, an evacuation warning is in place for residents in nearby areas. In Rosebud County, an evacuation warning is in place for residents along the Tongue River Road from the Tongue River Bridge. An evacuation warning means people should be aware of and monitor the situation closely, being prepared to evacuate if needed as the status of these fires could change quickly.

In response to the hot and dry weather conditions, Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Serena Wetherelt has issued an Executive Order placing certain restrictions on activities that will reduce the risk of igniting wildfires.  The restrictions are: no lighting of fireworks at any time; no trash or agricultural burning; no issue of burn permits from BIA Fire Management; no camp fires allowed, including recreational areas; ceremonial fires must be attended at all times with notification to BIA Fire Management or Law Enforcement; all persons traveling on backroads are required to stay on established roads due to the increased risk of fire danger; and vehicles traveling to the Sundance are also required to stay on established roads.

This Order has been issued due to the hot and dry weather conditions, safety, health, and welfare of the people on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, it concluded.

It also states that BIA Law Enforcement Officers are authorized to fully enforce the restrictions of the law. Non-Indians who violate such restrictions will be detained by the BIA Law Enforcement authorities until turned over to the appropriate county, state, or federal officials. Violations of the Executive Order will be charged according to the Tribal Criminal Code: offense against property 7-6-1, Arson.

(Contact Clara Caufield at 2ndcheyennevoice@gmail.com)

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