County OKs exemptions to fire restrictions

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday unanimously adopted Stage 2 fire restrictions on private lands in the county, but also approved exemptions that will allow farming, construction work and activities such as lawn mowing.

The commissioners tweaked several items in the Stage 2 restrictions now in effect on state and federal lands.

By removing a Stage 2 restriction that forbids the operation of internal combustion engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., the commissioners were able to draft a county resolution that allows most activities.

However, operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited, the county resolution states. Also prohibited are all campfires.

The county altered the Stage 2 prohibition on welding operations by stating that outdoor welding, operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, or any other activity creating a fire hazard is banned unless it is conducted in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren and clear of all flammable materials. A method of fire suppression also is required on site.

The “hoot owl” hours of 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. apply to the welding regulations. No welding is allowed during that time period.

The commissioner are exempting barbecue and wood pellet grills if they’re clear of all flammable materials within three feet.

Operating generators with an approved spark-arresting device in an area that is cleared within three feet also will be allowed.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist noted the fireworks ban imposed in Stage 1 restrictions remains in effect.

Several farmers attended the commissioners’ meeting Thursday to ask that agricultural activities be exempted from the Stage 2 restrictions.

“We’ve done our best to make [the restrictions] the least impactable on the public,” county Fire Manager Lincoln Chute said.

The county is exempting any farming-related activities in an area bordered by Montana 206 to the east, Farm-to-Market Road to the west, Montana 40 to the north and Flathead Lake to the south.

The harvest is about two weeks ahead of schedule because of drought conditions, but any irrigated farmland is yet to be harvested.

In areas where the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has dual control with Flathead County — such as farmland east of Montana 206 or the Twin Bridges area to the west — the Stage 2 restrictions will prohibit farming because state agency oversight takes precedence.

Commissioner Gary Krueger encouraged affected farmers to contact the state agency to discuss getting individual exemptions. He noted the jurisdictional issue needs a legislative solution that enables the county to have more control over fire restrictions.

“I’m very disturbed by Flathead County giving up control of lands in dual jurisdiction areas,” Krueger said.

Chute agreed it puts those agricultural landowners in a difficult position.

“Agencies need to handle the woods and let the county handle the valley,” Chute said. “It [dual control] needs to be re-evaluated. It doesn’t work.”

Sheriff Chuck Curry said he doubted there would be repercussions from conducting farming activities in areas of dual protection.

“I can tell you I don’t think DNRC cares if you harvest your crops,” Curry said. “They’re stretched thin enough right now.”

Both Curry and Chute addressed the lack of resources to fight the more than 100 wildfires now burning across Northwest Montana. About 60 of the fires don’t have any suppression activity on them, Chute said, pointing out that crews are losing valuable personnel as college students return to school.

Commissioner Phil Mitchell said he was concerned that Flathead County, once again, was the last county in the area to impose Stage 2 restrictions. Flathead was the last county in Northwest Montana to approve Stage 1 restrictions earlier this summer.

“We’re the only county not at Stage 2,” Mitchell said. “That bothers me when all other agencies have done it. This isn’t a game. We’re late on this.”

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.