Stage II fire restrictions lifted

Various jurisdictions across northwestern Montana lifted stage II fire restrictions 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

These areas included lands managed by Kootenai National Forest; Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Stimson, Stoltze and Weyerhaeuser Companies.

Lincoln County would rescind its restrictions independently, a news release states.

Though campfires, internal combustion engines and off-road travel are once again allowed, authorities remind people that open burning does not start until Oct. 1.