All Fire Restrictions Rescinded

Date: September 8, 2015
Contact: Lisa Osborn  , 406-295-7558
Contact: Jeff Stevenson , 406-283-7795

Northern Rockies Coordination Group Kalispell Area Interagency News Release

Libby,MT.—All Fire Restrictions will be rescinded across North West Montana.Jurisdictions include:

• Flathead National Forest
• Kootenai National Forest
• Bob Marshall Wilderness Lands within the Flathead National Forest
• Glacier National Park
• U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service
• MT-DNRC Northwestern Land Office
• Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 1
• Counties:Flathead, Lake (outside of Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe), Lincoln, and Sanders

On most of the jurisdiction listed above all fire restrictions have been rescinded effective immediately. The Flathead County Commissioners will meet on Thursday to decide whether to rescind restrictions in Flathead County. 

Please remember that even though fire restrictions have been rescinded fire season is still active. There are many fires burning in the area so you may still see smoke and flames within fire areas. There are many fire area closures please call your local Forest Service, DNRC or county fire department office for more information. Remember that you must stay out of closure areas until the closure is lifted by the land management agency.

At this time no open burning is allowed.

As hunting season begins, land managers want to remind hunters to practice wildfire safety while enjoying the outdoors. The Kalispell area fire restrictions group isurging caution for those participating in hunting and other outdoor activities to avoid sparking a fire. Just one small spark/ember from an unattended warming fire, muzzle of a gun or a hot exhaust pipe on a vehicle can ignite the dry grass.Please refrain from building campfires/warming fires during windy or dry conditio.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions to avoid sparking a wildfire:

• Keep water nearby when welding on stands.
• When shooting close to the ground, be sure there is no dry grass or tinder in front of your muzzle. Though rare, it's not impossible for a shot to ignite a fire.
• Use properly maintained spark arresters on all power equipment.
• Never leave a campfire or warming fire unattended, even for a few minutes. Be sure to completely extinguish campfires/warming fires when ready to go.
• Keep a bucket, a shovel and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and at your camp.
• Be aware of area fire restrictions.
• Be mindful of where you drive or park and stay on designated trails. Avoid parking on dry brush or grass, since your exhaust system can ignite the vegetation.

Please keep wildfire safety in mind and have a safe and memorable hunting experience.