Cooler air expected Sunday, but that won't help 4th fires

So far America's patriotic fireworks revelers in Great Falls have kept their cool.

Great Falls Fire/Rescue reports that so far it's only responded to three fireworks-related grass fires since the city ordinance allowed fireworks to be set off in city limits on Thursday.

"It seems like it's been pretty slow," Battalion Chief Jeff Jackson said Friday night. "Knock on wood, people must be being careful."

On Friday afternoon, crews had to respond to a grass fire in a vacant lot at the intersection of Smelter Avenue and 1st Street Northwest where two fireworks vendors were set up. Firefighters could be seen mopping up the blaze while customers waited in line to purchase their fireworks.

Jim Brusda, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, is hoping people maintain control of their fireworks with some complicating weather factors throughout the day.

Yes, cooler air from Canada is expected to arrive late Saturday and into Sunday, but Brusda said a Canadian cold front won't do much to save patriotic folks from fire.

For one thing, Brusda said the grass is very dry right now. Temperatures on Saturday are expected to soar to the mid-90s like they did Friday. Humidity will remain between 15 to 20 percent.

Starting around 5 p.m., the cold front will start moving in and Brusda said there could be thunder and lightning, but he doesn't know how much moisture to expect. Wind will follow. The high temperature on Sunday is expected to be 65 to 70 degrees, but that likely won't quickly erase any fire damage on Saturday.

"Everybody needs to be careful," Brusda said. "The higher humidity isn't going to matter."

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Kristen Cates at 791-1463. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_KCates.