Fire restrictions start Saturday for Flathead County
A Taylor Aviation AT-802A Air Tractor dumps fire retardant to combat the Elmo Fire near Chief Cliff in 2022. (Jeremy Weber/Daily Inter Lake file photo)
Following hot, dry and windy conditions, Stage I fire restrictions will be implemented Saturday, August 3 at 12:01 a.m. across Flathead County.
“The fire danger has reached critical levels, and the threat of new fire starts that are resistant to control poses a significant hazard to the residents of Flathead County,” a press release from Flathead County read.
Actions prohibited under Stage I restrictions include building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire; smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials; and operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
Exemptions include:
- Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. - Persons on their private property using BBQ grills, provided the area around the grill is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet, and there is running water available.
- Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.
- Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.
- Persons conducting activities in designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
- Agricultural operations.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- All land within a city boundary.
- Other exemptions unique to each agency or tribe.
Violation of these restrictions may be prosecuted under applicable Montana law. An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
These restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded by the Board of Commissioners of Flathead County. For further information and updates, contact Public Information Officer Tanath Bradley at tbradley@flathead.mt.gov or visit the Flathead County official website at https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/fireservice.