Agencies look to lift Stage I fire restrictions across much of the Flathead

Following rainfall and lower temperatures across the valley, Flathead National Forest, Flathead County and Glacier National Park will lift Stage I fire restrictions in the coming days, though much of Northwest Montana will keep them in place. Next week, interagency fire managers will meet to make recommendations on fire restrictions moving forward.  

“The majority of the Northwest Zone will remain under Stage I restrictions based on forecasted weather conditions and current resources,” a press release from Northern Rockies Coordination Group read.  

“Northwest Montana is currently experiencing drought conditions including extremely dry forest fuels; forecasts of average to above average temperatures accompanied by low humidity, wind, and scattered precipitation associated with thunderstorms; and competition for firefighting resources, as fires continue to burn across the State and the West. The intent of Fire Restrictions is to reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to very high fire danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition.” 

Federal, State, and County jurisdictions rescinding fire restrictions include: 

Flathead National Forest, including Hungry Horse-Glacier View, Swan Lake, Spotted Bear, and Tally Lake Ranger Districts to include the Great Bear Wilderness, Mission Mountains Wilderness, and the Flathead National Forest portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 9. 

Glacier National Park, Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 9. 

US Fish & Wildlife Service, including Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. 

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, including state land & private classified forested lands in Flathead County. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Region 1 within Flathead County. Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 9. 

Flathead County, Stage I fire restrictions will rescind at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. 

Federal and State jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions include: 

Kootenai National Forest, including Rexford, Fortine, Three Rivers,  Libby, and Cabinet Ranger Districts. *NO recreation site campfire exemptions 

US Fish & Wildlife Service, including the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, including State land and private classified forested lands in Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders Counties.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Region 1 within Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders Counties. 

County and Private jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions include: 

Lake County – Stage I fire restrictions. 

Lincoln County – Stage I fire restrictions. 

Sanders County – Stage I fire restrictions. 

Green Diamond – prohibits campfires on their lands. 

Flathead Ridge Ranch – prohibits campfires on their lands.

Southern Pine Plantation of Montana – prohibits campfires on their lands in Lincoln, Sanders, and Flathead Counties.

Stimson Private Timber Company – prohibits campfires on their lands. 

Stoltze Timber Company – prohibits campfires on their lands. 

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.  Combustion engines may only be operated when equipped with a spark-arresting device. Chainsaw users and welders must keep a fire extinguisher and shovel on-hand.  

For current wildfire and restrictions information, visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/.