Stage I fire restrictions on Kootenai National Forest

July 27, 2017

Kootenai National Forest officials decided today to raise fire restriction across the forest. For the past week or so, fire danger has been rated "very high" as temperatures in the 90s persists in the local area. As of this Friday, July 28, at 12:01 a.m., the Kootenai Forest will go to Stage I Fire Restrictions. All other participating agencies (federal, state, county, and private industry) in the Northwest Zone will go directly to Stage II Restrictions. Governor Steve Bullock also signed an Executive Order on Sunday, July 23, declaring a fire emergency in the State of Montana. Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect until further notice. Under Stage I Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited: 1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved recreation site. Fires solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG Fuels are authorized in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. 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. Initial attack has been successful at keeping fires relatively small this fire season. Temperatures will continue to be hot and dry over the coming days. 3. Fire season is here and it could be a prolonged one. The single, overriding priority is the protection of human life, both that of firefighters and the public. Safety comes first, every time. For current fire restrictions please visit www.firerestrictions.us.