Stage one fire restrictions to be lifted in many areas

SANDERS COUNTY - Federal, state, and local government wildland fire agencies in West Central Montana will rescind Stage I fire restrictions, effective Friday, September 13th at 12:01 a.m. A complete list of counties that are rescinding Stage I restrictions is available at firerestrictions.us. Stage I restricts campfires, not debris burning. The counties of Missoula and Ravalli are maintaining their bans on outdoor debris burning, and residents in other counties should consult their local authorities regarding debris and agricultural permit requests.

Even though the recent campfire and smoking restrictions will be lifted on Friday, higher than normal temperatures are forecasted this week, so the public is advised to maintain vigilance when extinguishing campfires and while smoking outdoors. Campfires should be cold to the touch before they can be safely left unattended and cigarettes should be disposed of properly.

Permanent Area Restriction: While area-wide restrictions are rescinded on Friday, permanent Stage I restrictions remain in effect for Flathead Reservation lands along the Flathead River corridor from below Kerr Dam downstream to near Perma. The restrictions apply to lands within ? mile of the high water mark on either bank of the river. This restriction is in response to a long-standing problem of wildfires originating from abandoned campfires along the banks of the Flathead River.

Stage I restrictions prohibit campfires except at specific sites identified in the orders. Further, they prohibit smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Know before you go! For up-to-date information on fire restrictions and county burn bans in Montana, go to firerestrictions.us/mt.