Stage 1 fire restrictions in place at NW state parks

Montana State Parks announced Aug. 15 that state parks in the Northwestern Montana Fire Zone Area will be under Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective Friday, Aug. 16, at 12:01 a.m.

This includes Big Arm State Park, Finley Point State Park, Wild Horse Island State Park and Yellow Bay State Park.

Montana State Parks implements restrictions in coordination with federal agencies, counties, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Big Arm and Finley Point state parks are under a Stage 1 fire restriction with an exemption — camp fires are only permitted in designated steel fire grates. Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is not allowed except in enclosed vehicles or developed sites clear of all flammable materials.

Wild Horse Island and Yellow Bay state parks are under a Stage 1 fire restriction — all camp fires and open flames are prohibited. Smoking is not allowed.

An update on http://stateparks.mt.gov will be issued when the restriction is lifted. Fire restriction information can be found at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/drought/definitions.html.