Friday, August 2, 2024

Montana FWP sites in Powell and Granite Counties move to Stage II fire restrictions

Most of FWP sites in west-central Montana now under Stage II restrictions

MISSOULA – Most Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks properties in west-central Montana are now under Stage II fire restrictions. Powell and Granite Counties were the latest to move to Stage II earlier this week.

FWP-managed properties in Powell and Granite Counties include:

  • Bearmouth Fishing Access Site (FAS)
  • Gillies Bridge FAS
  • Granite Ghost Town State Park
  • Drummond FAS
  • Nevada Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
  • Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA
  • Upsata Lake FAS
  • River Junction FAS
  • Cedar Meadow FAS
  • Harry Morgan FAS
  • Aunt Molly WMA
  • Kohrs Bend FAS
  • Monture FAS
  • Brown’s Lake FAS
  • Little Blackfoot FAS
  • Scotty Brown Bridge FAS
  • Spotted Dog WMA
  • Gold Creek FAS

Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli Counties remain under Stage II restrictions, and Deer Lodge and Lewis and Clark Counties are in Stage I.

Under Stage I and II restrictions, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire at FWP sites is not allowed, even in metal fire rings, unless posted as an exemption under Stage I. Smoking is prohibited 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 cleared of flammable materials. Recreationists may cook on a liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.

Stage II restrictions also prohibit operating lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and other internal combustion engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.; welding or operating acetylene or other torch devices with an open flame between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; using an explosive between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; and operating motor vehicles off designated roads and trails, with exceptions for those carrying out official business related to the function of governmental agencies and public utilities.

These restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice. Due to dry conditions and high fire danger FWP urges people to use caution while they are out recreating.

To see a full list of restrictions and other fire-related information, visit: www.mtfireinfo.org.

For the latest fire restrictions specifically at FWP sites or drought-related fishing closures and “hoot owl” fishing restrictions, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.