County, Forest Service, Libby impose Stage II fire restrictions

Last night at midnight, Lincoln County, the Kootenai National Forest and the City of Libby entered Stage II fire restrictions as a result of the region’s extreme fire danger.

The restrictions prohibit the following at all hours:

•Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Fires fueled by liquid petroleum or propane are authorized.

•Smoking 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 material.

The restrictions prohibit the following from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.:

•Operating an internal combustion engine.

•Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

•Using an explosive.

A one-hour patrol is required after ending any of the latter three activities within Libby city limits or on Forest Service land. A two-hour patrol is required elsewhere in Lincoln County outside of city limits.