Stage 1 fire restrictions to begin Saturday across Northwest Montana

Northwest Montana fire managers on Wednesday decided to enact stage 1 fire restrictions across the region beginning Saturday.

The fire rules will affect the Flathead and Kootenai forests, Glacier National Park, and land managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as Flathead, Lake and Sanders counties.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit campfires, as well as smoking except within a vehicle or building, or a developed site that is clear of flammable material. People can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months for violating the restrictions, and be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if a fire is started.

Some private landholders are enacting restrictions as well. No campfires will be allowed on land owned by Southern Pine Plantation, Stimson Timber, Stoltze Timber, Green Diamond or Flathead Ridge Ranch.

According to fire managers, each year, 70 to 80% of wildfires are human-caused and this summer the trend has continued.

"Northwest Montana is currently experiencing drought conditions including extremely dry forest fuels; forecasts of temperatures above normal accompanied by low humidity, wind and minimal precipitation; and competition for firefighting resources, as fires continue to burn across the state and the West," a media release from the Northern Rockies Coordination Group stated. "The intent of fire restrictions is to reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition."

Western Montana's fire season began earnestly this week with the Colt Fire northwest of Seeley Lake estimated to have burned nearly 4,400 acres as of Wednesday.

The fire, started by lightning on July 18, continues to actively burn on all sides. About 33 structures are threatened, but none have been destroyed.

More than 460 firefighters are assigned to the incident that has cost an estimated $7.4 million to date.

The Big Knife Fire in rugged mountain terrain east of Arlee was estimated at 116 acres on Wednesday. Nearly 50 firefighters were assigned to the incident. No structures were being threatened.