Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place

SANDERS COUNTY – Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in effect in Sanders County and across wide portions of northwestern Montana.

Lisa Osborn with the Northern Rockies Coordination Group (NRCG) noted Stage 1 restrictions are likely to continue across the region unless there is a change to the warm and dry weather.

“We are looking at Stage 1 fire restrictions for the immediate future,” Osborn said.

Osborn explained every week fire conditions are evaluated and there is an inter-agency discussion to determine whether Stage 1 restrictions should stay in place.

She added weather is not the only determining factor regarding fire restrictions.

“It’s not just weather. The amount of available resources, fuel conditions and number of existing fires are all part of the discussion,” Osborn said.

According to the NRCG, wildland fire agencies responded to over 10 human caused fires in the region last week.

The area’s current hot and dry weather conditions show no signs of letting up creating dangerous fuel conditions where the smallest spark can start a fire that has the chance to grow and spread rapidly.

Osborn noted one of the biggest concerns is abandoned or unattended campfires which can cause big problems due to the extremely dry conditions.

“If people are in a campground where they are allowed to have a campfire they need to put them out and be sure to not leave them unattended,” Osborn said.

She also urged residents to avoid parking or driving vehicles over dry grass as mufflers and drip pans can cause fires with the existing fire danger.  

During Stage 1 restrictions building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire is prohibited unless noted in the restrictions exemptions.

In addition to the campfire restrictions, smoking is prohibited unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, or in an area three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.