Stage I Fire Restrictions still in effect for NW Montana
by Northern Rockies Coordination Group – Kalispell Area
July 21, 2015
Stage I Fire Restrictions are still in effect across North West Montana.
Jurisdictions include:
• Flathead National Forest
• Kootenai National Forest
• Bob Marshall Wilderness Lands within the Flathead National Forest
• Glacier National Park
• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• MT-DNRC Northwestern Land Office
• Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 1
• Counties: Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders
• Property within city limits in the area are EXEMPT from this order
Stage I fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. This last week, wildland fire agencies have responded to over 34 fires in the area with 17 of those human caused. The human caused fire starts are from unattended campfires, vehicles and logging equipment. Please be careful when working or recreating outdoors.
During Stage I, "Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire" is prohibited unless noted in the exemptions. Exemptions include fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG, or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization.
Lists of federal and state sites exempted from Stage I, and county-specific conditions under which campfires are allowed are available to the public via www.firerestrictions.us and posted at agency offices and fire departments. Signs will be posted in the field. Completely contained wood stoves with a fire screen or spark arrester are allowed ONLY in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, instead of campfires. Counties allow campfires under certain conditions, and it is your responsibility to know what they are before you light one. By state law, a campfire is defined as "a fire set for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes; not more than 3 feet in diameter or height; void of overhanging branches; with all combustible material cleared at least 1-1/2 times the diameter of the fire; or a barbecue in a noncombustible container.
In addition to the campfire restrictions, smoking is prohibited unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, or in an area 3 feet in diameter, that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
These restrictions apply to any lands outside of designated city limits, regardless of ownership. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger.
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.
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