Stage one fire restrictions begin August 1

On August 1, Stage I fire restrictions will be in effect throughout western Montana.

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.