Stage I Fire Restrictions still in effect
by Northern Rockies Coordination Group Kalispell Area
August 6, 2015
LIBBY, MONTANA—Stage I Fire Restrictions are still in effect across Northwest 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. Last week, wildland fire agencies responded to over 10 human caused fires. Even though 10 fires doesn’t sound like a lot one of those fires grew to 17 acres in about 1 hour. This fire had the potential to grow even larger but because fire crews and air support promptly arrived on the fire, fire fighters were able to contain it to 17 acres. With the continued hot and dry weather any existing fire or new fire has the potential to grow and spread rapidly. The wildland fire agencies have responded to many unattended campfires this last week. Remember to put out your campfire completely before leaving or going to bed and never leave your campfire unattended, even to go to the lake or river for a quick swim.
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; 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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