Commissioners adopt Stage 1 fire restriction resolution
The Mineral County Commissioners officially adopted Resolution No. 7-31-13 at their regular meeting on July 31, which implements Stage I Fire restrictions throughout the county.
Disaster and Emergency Service Coordinator George Gupton teleconferenced with the commissioners and went over the details of both the resolution, as well as recommended they rescind the Emergency Fire Resolution that was passed in the midst of the West Mullan Fire.
“I think our emergency has passed on the West Mullan Fire, any time you want to rescind the emergency resolution I think we should,” Gupton said. “I don’t think we are in an emergency state anymore.”
Under Gupton’s advisement, Commissioner Duane Simons made a motion to rescind the emergency resolution, which was seconded by Commissioner Laurie Johnston. The motion passed unanimously.
With the emergency resolution rescinded, the commissioners moved on to the implementation of Stage I restrictions.
According to Gupton, if there wasn’t any rain last week, the restrictions could have been elevated to Stage II. However, he still recommended passing the Stage I resolution immediately.
“Whereas, high temperatures and low precipitation have occurred within Mineral County during the month of July, resulting in dry fuel conditions, poor soil conditions and low water supplies which has contributed to EXTREME wildland fire danger,” the resolution begins. “Whereas, the Mineral County Board of Commissioners declares that all the private land not under the jurisdiction of the municipalities or state or federal agencies is a high fire hazard area. It is hereby resolved, by the Mineral County Board of Commissioners that Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect for all private lands in Mineral County, due to EXTREME wildland fire danger (emphasis included in resolution).”
Commissioner Johnston made a motion to pass the resolution, which was seconded by Commissioner Simons. The resolution passed unanimously.
Stage I fire restrictions are implemented in order to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger.
Currently Mineral County is rated as extreme fire danger and is expected to remain in that category unless a change in weather occurs.
Under Stage I restrictions there are multiple things prohibited including:
• No building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire* without a permit EXCEPT in Forest Service developed camp or picnic ground. The following actions are permitted: petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety.
• No smoking unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• No operation welding, acetylene, or other torch with an open flame.
• No operation or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
Specifically, at Stage I, campfires are prohibited unless they are in a designated campsite, which will be distinctively listed by the appropriate land management agency and will be distributed to the public when the orders go into effect. 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.
The following is a list of campgrounds were it is still acceptable to have campfires:
Superior Ranger District
East and West Quartz Campground
Little Joe Camping Area
Missoula Lake Camping Area
Diamond Lake Camping Area
Trout Creek Campground
Cabin City Campground
Moore Lake Camping Area
Sloway Campground
Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District
Cascade Campground
Copper King Campground
Gold Rush Campground
Fishtrap Creek Campground
Fishtrap Lake Campground
Clark Memorial Campground
Exemptions to the Stage I restrictions can occur for residents with a specific permit authorizing any of the prohibited actions or for any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.