Officials make changes to northwest Montana Stage I fire restrictions

Recent and forecasted rain across the region have led Interagency fire managers to rescind Stage I fire restrictions for the majority of Northwest Montana. 

It will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, according to Kootenai National Forest officials. There are exceptions, though, and many include timber company lands. A complete list is found below.

Fire danger remains high to very high because of the potential for wildfire threat, especially following recent lightning events. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent wildfires.

Based on forecasted weather conditions and current resources, the majority of the Northwest Zone will no longer be under any fire restrictions including the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests, Glacier National Park and lands in Flathead, Lincoln and Sanders counties. 

However, lands within Lake County and the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge will remain in Stage I fire restrictions. Please see below for the timing of when these lands will rescind fire restrictions. Fire restriction status will continually be evaluated by interagency fire managers.

Northwest Montana fire danger conditions have decreased and while the threat of human caused fires remains, fuel conditions aren’t as conducive to fires spreading as quickly. 

Agencies are requesting the public to exercise caution with recreational campfires and continue to practice fire prevention throughout the remainder of summer and into the fall. Debris burning is not permitted until Oct. 1 in northwest Montana except for within the Libby Outdoor Burning Control Area where debris burning is not permitted until April 1, 2025.

Please refer to the appropriate Fire Restrictions Order for the land you are visiting and for a complete list of what is and is not allowed.

Federal, state, county and private jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions include:

- US Fish & Wildlife Service, including the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge.

- Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, including State land & private classified forested lands in Lake County.

- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Region 1 within Lake County.

- Lake County – Stage I fire restrictions.

- F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company – Stage I fire restrictions.

- Green Diamond – Stage I fire restrictions.

- Flathead Ridge Ranch – Prohibits campfires on their lands. For more information on what is allowed on Flathead Ridge Ranch property, please visit https://www.flatheadridgeranch.com.

- Southern Pine Plantation of Montana – Prohibits campfires on their lands.

- Stimson Private Timber Company – Stage I fire restrictions.

Federal, state and county jurisdictions rescinding or with already rescinded fire restrictions include:

- Kootenai National Forest, including Rexford, Fortine, Three Rivers, Libby and Cabinet Ranger Districts. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. Saturday Aug. 17.

- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, including Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, rescinded Stage I fire restrictions Aug. 10.

- Flathead National Forest, including Hungry Horse-Glacier View, Swan Lake, Spotted Bear, and Tally Lake Ranger Districts to include the Great Bear Wilderness, Mission Mountains Wilderness, and the Flathead National Forest portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Stage I fire restrictions were rescinded Aug. 9.

- Glacier National Park, Stage I fire restrictions were rescinded Aug. 9.

- Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, including state land and private classified forested lands in Lincoln and Sanders counties. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Flathead County already rescinded.

- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Region 1 within Flathead, Lincoln and Sanders counties. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Flathead County already rescinded.

- Flathead County – Stage I fire restrictions were rescinded on Saturday, Aug. 10.

- Lincoln County – Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

- Sanders County – Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

 Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibited Acts

1.  Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes.

2.  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 materials.

3.  Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a maintained and working spark arresting device properly installed. For chainsaw use, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum 8-ounce capacity and rating of 2A must be kept with the operator and a round point shovel at least 35 inches long must be kept readily available for use.

4.  Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum 8-ounce capacity and rating of 2A must be kept with the operator.

5.  Using an explosive including but not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.

 Stage I Exemptions

1.  Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

2.  Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.

3.  Persons using a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least 5 feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.

4.  Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Violations

1. You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisoned up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures.
2. You can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.

 Fire prevention tips

- Never discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.

- Maintain and clean any logging, farming, or lawn equipment before use.

·- Ensure trailer chains are properly secured to prevent dragging which can cause sparks.

- Avoid driving or parking your vehicle, ATV or UTV on dry grass.

- Debris burning is prohibited in NW Montana during July, August, and September.

For current wildfire and restrictions information visit: https://www.mtfireinfo.org/.