Fire restrictions end

Stage II fire restrictions throughout Lincoln County, including the Kootenai National Forest and the City of Libby, were rescinded by 12:01 a.m. today, though fire officials noted that forest vegetation remains dry and the wildfire season has not yet ended.

An exception is on land owned by Stoltze Lumber, according to Ali Ulwelling with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

“They are staying in Stage II through the weekend, and reevaluating next week,” she said Thursday by email.

In rescinding Stage II fire restrictions, fire and other officials did not downgrade to Stage I fire restrictions, as they sometimes do.

“Recent rain and cooler temperatures have substantially slowed growth of all area fires, but fire managers encourage people to recognize that, while evenings are cool, forest vegetation remains dry,” states a DNRC news release.

The news release reminds people to “never leave a campfire unattended.”

“Use water, dirt, and a shovel to put it out and make certain it is out cold before you leave,” it states.