MISSOULA – In west-central Montana, FWP lands in Missoula and Ravalli Counties moved out of all fire restrictions this week, however restrictions are in place on FWP lands in Granite, Mineral and Powell Counties.
FWP follows the lead of the county when placing fire restrictions on its lands. FWP lands include fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and state parks. The following counties in west-central Montana and FWP sites in these locations are under restrictions:
- Granite County: Stage 2
- Mineral County: Stage 2
- Powell County: Stage 1
The following activities are prohibited on FWP lands under Stage 2 restrictions:
- 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.
- Operating any internal combustion engine from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, except motorized vehicles on roads and trails designated for motorized travel.
- Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
Stage 1 restrictions only allow campfires in established steel fire grates in places posted with exemptions. No FWP sites in Powell County allow fires under Stage 1 restrictions.
Under both stages of restrictions stoves and gas fire pits are allowed if fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned off and used only in an area barren of flammable materials.
To see the complete restriction information and a list of all FWP lands impacted by fire restrictions in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. These restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice.
FWP urges people to use caution while recreating due to dry conditions and fire danger. To learn more about wildfire prevention and to see the latest information on fires in Montana, visit www.mtfireinfo.org.