New Fire Restrictions for SW Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ properties in Park County have moved to Stage 1 fire restrictions. This includes Fishing Access Sites, State Parks, and Wildlife Management areas.
 
Also, effective Saturday, Bannack State Park (Beaverhead County) and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (Jefferson County) will no longer be exempted from all Stage I fire restrictions (these Parks previously had exemptions to allow for fires within established rings or grills).
 
FWP follows the counties in entering fire restrictions.
 
Following are the list of restrictions under Stage I:
 
In those areas mentioned above, the following acts are prohibited until further notice:
    1    Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. (Note exemptions below)
    2    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.
Exemptions:
    1    Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
    2    Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.
    3    Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
    4    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
    5    All land within a city boundary is exempted.
Individuals may be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned up to 6 months for violating the noted fire restrictions.
 
Also, an exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
 
For updates on restrictions and closures around the state, go to: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/droughtDetails.html.