Fire Restrictions Lifted in NW Montana
September 20, 2007
Fire restrictions in Northwest Montana have been lifted. This includes all lands in Northwest Montana within Flathead and Lincoln Counties, plus that portion of Lake County outside of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Lands, plus all lands administered by the Kootenai National Forest, Flathead National Forest, and Glacier National Park. These administrative boundaries include portions of Sanders County west of Whitepine, Glacier County within Glacier National Park, Missoula County north of Summit Lake, and Powell County within the Flathead National Forest.
Fire restrictions have also been lifted in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear Wilderness) lands on the Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Helena and Lolo National Forests.
In Flathead County there is no open burning on private land through the end of September. For more information about open burning in Flathead County, visit www.firesafekalispell.com.
In other counties in Northwest Montana, please contact your local wildland fire protection agency for information regarding open burning.
Fire managers from the various fire organizations in Northwest Montana stress their appreciation to the public for being proactive about fire prevention and supporting the fire restrictions the past couple months. Spokesperson Denise Germann said, “Public support for the many fire organizations, fire fighters and fire managers has been tremendous, and is greatly appreciated.”
Germann added that warmer temperatures are anticipated in the area so please continue to be safe with fire. The recent moisture helps, but she encourages the many hunters in Northwest Montana to remember some basic fire safety tips; never leave a campfire unattended, be sure the fire is dead out before leaving, and always have water and a shovel close by. Smokers are urged to use safe practices when smoking outdoors and always dispose of your cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco appropriately.
Please note that other areas in the state continue with fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know what restrictions are in place and abide accordingly.
Denise Germann, Flathead National Forest Public Affairs Officer
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