Stage 1 Fire Restrictions go into effect on Kootenai National Forest
Conditions are right for wildland fires
by U.S. Forest Service
June 30, 2015
As a precaution, Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders Counties at 0001 a.m. on Friday the 3rd of July 2015. This includes all private, state, and federally (Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, and Glacier National Park) managed lands in these counties. Fire Restrictions also go into effect on the Bob Marshall Wilderness lands within the Flathead National Forest. Completely contained wood stoves with a fire screen or spark arrester are allowed ONLY in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, instead of campfires.
Under Stage 1, fires are prohibited except within developed recreation sites (contact your local agency for a list of sites), and smoking is allowed only in areas cleared of flammable materials. Exemptions include fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG, or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization.
An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
The 80 acre Glacier Rim fire on the Flathead National Forest started on Saturday, June 27th. This was a human-caused fire and is under investigation. "We have unseasonably dry conditions and a high potential for rapid fire growth with any type of fire start" said Jeff Stevenson, Kootenai National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer. "The implementation of Stage I fire restrictions is for public awareness and safety. We don’t want someone to unintentionally start a wildfire, which could easily happen with the dry conditions were experiencing"
Please take extra caution when working and recreating outdoors to prevent wildland fire starts. Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence will be held accountable for damage and suppression costs.
The smallest spark has the potential to cause significant damage, so always crush smokes dead out; never leave a campfire unattended; ensure that your vehicle has a properly installed spark arrester that is operational; stop and park only in areas clear of vegetation; and observe all fire restrictions. Take precautions, but always be prepared: carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher. Also remember that cross country travel is not allowed on most federal and state lands.
No fireworks are allowed on National Forest lands, State lands, or classified forested lands. Many counties have banned fireworks this year. Please check with your local fire department about fireworks.
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