Stage I Fire Restrictions rescinded in West-Central Montana

MINERAL & SANDERS COUNTIES — A moist weather pattern over the area has lessened the severe threat posed by wildfires.  Therefore, wildland fire agencies will rescind Stage I fire restrictions, effective Saturday morning, August 23 at 12:01 a.m.  Agencies rescinding restrictions include: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Lands, Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests including the Rattlesnake and Welcome Creek Wilderness Areas, US FWS Refuges, Bureau of Land Management, DNRC Southwestern and Northwestern Land Offices, and Montana State Parks and Fishing Access Sites.  Stage I restrictions on private lands in Flathead, Lake, Missoula (including Missoula City-Owned open spaces and conservation lands), Mineral, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties will also be lifted.

County fireworks bans and bans on debris burning, including those done in burn barrels, will remain in place on private lands.  Go to: www.firerestrictions.us for an updated list of county burn bans.  It is your responsibility to know before you strike the match.

Area fire managers want to thank all public lands users who complied with the restrictions while in place. Every escaped campfire that was prevented meant less exposure to risk for firefighters on the job.

Even though the recent restrictions will be lifted, fire danger remains HIGH.  Public lands users and even those on private property are asked to maintain vigilance when extinguishing campfires and while smoking in the outdoors.  Campfires should be cold to the touch before they can be safely left unattended and people need to understand that cured grasses are susceptible to wildfire spread within hours of rainfall.

Motorists should know that driving off-road in grassy areas and dragging tow chains have caused fires this season.

For detailed maps of fire restrictions and burn bans across the western United States, please go to our informational website: www.firerestrictions.us