Initial fire restrictions ahead
Campfire limits take effect Monday
The Daily Inter Lake
Fire managers have decided to implement an initial level of fire restrictions - with a new twist for private lands - across Northwest Montana.
The decision, after weeks of hot and dry weather, comes just as significant lightning activity is expected to keep firefighters busy across the region.
The area fire danger is "very high" - and temperatures in the high 90s are forecast for the next week in the Flathead Valley.
Stage One fire restrictions will take effect on Monday, July 23.
Under those restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire will be allowed only in designated sites.
For the first time, private landowners who want to have a campfire are asked to contact local fire chiefs or the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services for written permission.
Stage One fire restrictions also prohibit smoking, except in closed vehicles, buildings, developed recreational sites or areas at least three feet across that are clear of all flammable materials.
The restrictions apply to all lands in Flathead and Lincoln counties, lands administered by the Flathead and Kootenai national forests and Glacier National Park and portions of Lake County outside of Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal lands.
The restrictions also apply throughout the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Anyone causing a wildfire can be held financially responsible for damages and suppression costs.
It is anticipated that Stage Two fire restrictions may be implemented if hot and dry weather patterns continue.
By the end of the week, all designated sites where campfires are allowed will be listed at the Web site: