Stage 1 fire restrictions in place

Recent fires in the Kootenai National Forest and the hot, dry weather have resulted in fire restrictions being imposed in northwest Montana.

Stage I fire restrictions have been put in place for Flathead and Kootenai national forests, Glacier National Park, Montana Department of Natural Resource lands, and Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties.

The restrictions mean:

* Campfires are allowed only in developed or improved campgrounds and recreation sites.

* Camp stoves or gas grills are allowed in other areas.

* Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation areas or in areas of at least 3 feet in diameter that have been cleared of flammable materials.

Fireworks are prohibited in all areas where the restrictions apply.

Kootenai forest fire officials reported that they've had about two dozen new fire starts the past week and that a significant number of them were human-caused.