Stage 1 fire restrictions in place across Northwest Montana

Northwest Montana fire managers last week decided to enact stage 1 fire restrictions across the region.

The fire rules affect the Flathead and Kootenai forests, Glacier National Park, and land managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as Flathead, Lake and Sanders counties.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit campfires, as well as smoking except within a vehicle or building, or a developed site that is clear of flammable material. People can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months for violating the restrictions, and be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if a fire is started.

Some private landholders enacted restrictions as well. No campfires will be allowed on land owned by Southern Pine Plantation, Stimson Timber, Stoltze Timber, Green Diamond or Flathead Ridge Ranch.

According to fire managers, each year, 70 to 80% of wildfires are human-caused and this summer the trend has continued.

"Northwest Montana is currently experiencing drought conditions including extremely dry forest fuels; forecasts of temperatures above normal accompanied by low humidity, wind and minimal precipitation; and competition for firefighting resources, as fires continue to burn across the state and the West," a media release from the Northern Rockies Coordination Group stated. "The intent of fire restrictions is to reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition."