Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to be enacted in Phillips and Hill counties

LEWISTON, Mont. – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are set to be implemented in Phillips and Hill counties starting Friday, August 7, according to the Lewiston Area Fire Restriction Interagency Group.

The decision to issue restrictions was made following “persistent hot and dry weather conditions.” These restrictions will be in effect for all state lands, Bureau of Reclamation areas, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6, as well as lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, excluding the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Phillips County.

Officials noted that private lands in Phillips County began Stage 1 restrictions on Monday, which will continue for an indefinite period of time until rescinded by county authorities.

Additionally, the Chippewa Cree Tribe enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1.

According to officials, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, except within an established, metal, or concrete fire ring in a developed campsite or recreation area.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site or in a 3-footdiameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation and materials.

Officials added that under Title 43, CFR § 9212.2 (b)(3), the following are exempted from this order:

• Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
• Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
• Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in performance of official duties.
• Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

“It is important for everyone to do their part to prevent unnecessary risks of wildfire starts,” officials stated.

More information on fire restrictions can be found on the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s fire information website.