Whitefish toughens fire restrictions

The city of Whitefish imposed Stage 2 fire restrictions Friday afternoon as extreme fire danger continues in the area.

By closely mirroring the restrictions and exemptions Flathead County put in effect Thursday, Whitefish Interim Fire Chief Joe Page said he hopes the public’s confusion will be lessened and compliance will be better.

Stage 2 restrictions already are in place on all state and federal lands and in the county.

Whitefish is prohibiting all campfires and operation of motor vehicles off designated roads or trails. Smoking is restricted except when in an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or while standing in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials.

The Whitefish Fire Department is restricting the following operations to 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Followed by a one-hour patrol in the work area:

•  Logging operations.
•  Lot-clearing operations.
•  Use of explosives.

 Outdoor welding or other open flame activity unless in a barren area at least 10 feet from any flammable material plus there is a method of fire suppression on site.

Exemptions include:

•  The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on or off, barbecue and wood pellet grills as long as they are at least 3 feet from overhead or surrounding flammable materials.
•  Operating generators with an approved spark-arresting device and 3 feet from overhead or surrounding flammable materials.
•  The operation of motorized vehicles on designated roads or trails, they must stay on the road or trail.
•  Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.
•  Performance of official duties by any federal, state, or local member of an organized rescue or firefighting force.
•  Farming-related operations.
•  Building construction operations on a cleared lot.
• The restrictions remain in effect until fire danger improves, Page said.
• Questions may be directed to Page at jpage@cityofwhitefish.org or by calling 863-2491.