A Message From The Fire House

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Roosevelt, Valley and Mc-Cone counties are all under stage 1 fire restrictions. In response to dry, warm weather that has increased the danger of human-caused wildfires, area officials made the determination that stage 1 fire restrictions are needed. The restrictions are in effect until further notice.

From Aug. 24-31, the WPVFD has responded to 19 fire calls. Most of these are believed to be human-caused grass fires.

Stage 1 restrictions ban campfires, except where specifically exempted, and bans fireworks as well. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, and in areas at least three feet in diameter that are cleared of all flammable materials.

People still may cook on an LP gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.

Persons may have a “backyard” fire on their own property as long as the fire size does not exceed a maximum size of 36” in diameter and is in a fire ring. Anyone starting or maintaining a backyard fire is responsible for any damages or costs associated with the fire if it leaves their property.

Per Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ policy, no fires will be allowed, even in steel grates, at any fishing access site or wildlife management areas in counties under stage 1 fire restrictions. Campfires, normally allowed, have been prohibited at the following sites by the FWP:

•Glasgow Base Pond FAS, Valley County.

•Fort Peck Dredge Cut Pond (Trout Pond) FAS, Valley County.

Open fires are already prohibited year-round at the following sites:

•Lewis and Clark FAS (Bridge Park), Roosevelt County.

•Duck Creek and School Trust FASs, Valley County.

•Hinsdale and Vandalia WMAs, Valley County.

For updates on restrictions and closures around the state by the FWP, go to fwp.mt.gov, and under the “news” tab, click on “drought and fire.”