HAMILTON — The Bitterroot National Forest has raised the fire danger level to “extreme” as the hot and dry weather continues.
A news release notes that fires can quickly start, spread, grow and burn intensely when fire danger is “extreme.”
- RELATED: Lolo National Forest moves to ‘extreme’ fire danger
- RELATED: Missoula County ramps up fire danger to “extreme”
Officials have also announced that Stage 2 fire restrictions across the forest will go into effect on Friday, July 19.
The following acts are prohibited in the Bitterroot National Forest until further notice:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
- 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 closed of all flammable materials.
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Operating an Internal Combustion Engine.
The following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required. If such authorization provides for operation of an Internal Combustion Engine or welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, such acts are prohibited from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day. Outside of these hours, a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of these activities.
- Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
- Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails, unless such road or trail is otherwise closed or restricted.
- Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty.
“These restrictions are put in place due to the extremely dry fuels and a fire’s ability to spread quickly under these extreme conditions,” said Bitterroot National Forest Fire Staff Officer Mark Wilson. “We want to protect our community and lands.”
Officials are asking people to be extra careful when heading into the backcountry.
People planning camping trips should follow these fire safety tips:
- Pay extra attention to those items that can cause a spark, such as chains on a trailer. Any spark has the potential to ignite a wildfire.
- Vehicles must stay on established roads and trails. Avoid driving over dry grass and brush that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.
- Keep campfires small and completely extinguish them before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch. It is illegal to have unattended campfires.
- Firewood cutters should operate in the cool morning hours and keep a shovel and fire extinguisher nearby. All chainsaws must be equipped with a muffler and spark arrester. Temporary firewood cutting areas that opened on the forest back in June are also closing due to increased fire risks.
- Know before you go. Always check with your local Ranger Station prior to your trip to get the most up-to-date information on fire danger and fire restrictions for the area.
Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ to learn more about current fire restrictions in place throughout Montana.
