Fire limits lifted

The Daily Inter Lake

Fire restrictions on public lands in Northwest Montana have been lifted, according to Flathead National Forest officials.

On private land in Flathead County, however, no open burning is allowed through the end of September.

The lifting of restrictions affects public lands in Flathead and Lincoln counties, Lake County outside of Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal lands, plus all of Kootenai National Forest, Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park.

Fire restrictions also have been lifted in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Initial fire restrictions went into effect July 23 in the middle of a hot, dry July that spawned a severe fire season.

Fires in Northwest Montana burned a total of almost 280,000 acres in July and August. Two fires on the east side of the wilderness complex covered an additional 112,000 acres.

Cooler weather and rainfall - the Flathead Valley received three-tenths of an inch of rain on Tuesday - led to the lifting of outdoors restrictions.

Fires continue to burn in the wilderness, so access to some areas remains restricted.

For wilderness access and closure information, go to www.activefires.net/jic_mt.

Managers from the various fire organizations in Northwest Montana stressed their appreciation to the public for cooperating with fire restrictions.

"Public support for the many fire organizations, firefighters and fire managers has been tremendous and is greatly appreciated," said Denise Germann of Flathead National Forest.

Germann added that warmer weather is anticipated so people should continue to be safe with fire.

The recent moisture helps, but she encourages the many hunters in Northwest Montana to remember some basic fire safety tips: Never leave a campfire unattended, be sure campfires are dead out, and always have water and a shovel close by. Smokers are urged to use safe practices when smoking outdoors.

Other areas in the state beyond Northwest Montana continue to have fire restrictions.