Stage 1 restrictions in effect

MINERAL COUNTY - According to information supplied by Superior Ranger District Fire Prevention Officer Jim Ward, stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect this week in Mineral County.

Due to high temperatures and low precipitation in Mineral County and surround areas, June and July have resulted in dry fuel conditions, poor soil moisture levels and low water supplies leading authorities to raise the level of fire danger to extreme and to enact the stage 1 fire restictions.The restrictions are in effect through the week and are for all public and private lands in Mineral County.

Acts prohibited under the restrictions include building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless exempt. Smoking is prohibited except within 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 materials.

There is a total ban on lighting fireworks on all public and private lands.

The exemptions included the St. Regis fireworks show which went off without any problems.

Other exemptions include persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

Members of the public can use a device solely fueled by liquid pertoleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. These devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Other exemptions include persons conducting activities in designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Federal, state and local officers or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces are exempt while performing their official duties.

It was noted in the stage 1 fire restrictions resolution, any exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.