Fire restrictions to go into effect across region

Local officials have issued fire restrictions for state, federal and private lands that are set to go into effect this weekend.

Both the Kootenai National Forest and the Libby Unit of the state Department of Natural Resources will enact stage one fire restrictions in the early morning hours of Saturday. Stimson Lumber is following suit, banning campfires on its property, according to a U.S. Forest Service announcement.

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is expected to pass a resolution adopting stage one fire restrictions as well during a special meeting scheduled for July 2. Brent Teske, head of the county’s emergency management, briefed commissioners on the fire risk on June 30.

County officials are on regular phone calls with area state and federal agencies assessing the situation, he said.

“Fire danger is currently high, but moving toward very high. There were three fires on the Kootenai in the last week,” Teske told commissioners. “We talked about where we’re at with fuels and the science behind this. It’s not a bunch of people sitting around wanting to ruin everybody’s Fourth of July.”

The restriction prohibits building and tending campfires in the national forest except at select campsites with metal fire rings. Smoking is only allowed at developed recreation sites, areas cleared of flammable material for at least three feet in diameter, or in enclosed vehicles or buildings.

Fireworks are never allowed on national forest lands.

Recreationists may still use liquid petroleum burners that can be turned on and off on state and federal lands. The area near the burner must be cleared of all flammable material within three feet. Firefighters, persons with written permits and federal, state and local officials are exempt from the regulation while on duty.

Under Lincoln County’s proposed resolution, homeowners are allowed to build a campfire on their property if the lawn is mowed, deep green and irrigated, and there is a source of running water to the area. Grills are allowed so long as the surrounding area is either barren or cleared of flammable materials and located near a source of running water.

Properties within city limits are exempt from Lincoln County’s restrictions.

Violators of the state and federal fire restrictions can face fines of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment of up to six months. Offenders who start a fire may be liable for all damages and suppression costs associated with the blaze.

Derrick Perkins contributed to this report.