Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3 has adopted Stage II fire restrictions on all FWP lands in Gallatin and Park Counties effective Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at 12:01 a.m. Due to extreme fire danger in southwest Montana, all FWP state parks, fishing access sites, and wildlife management areas in Gallatin and Park Counties are under Stage II restrictions.

 

Under Stage II restrictions, the following are prohibited:

            · 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 (3) feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all

flammable materials.

· The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:

1.       Operating any internal combustion engine, including generators, chain saws, and mowing equipment.

2.       Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

3.       Using an explosive.

A patrol is required for two hours following cessation of all work as described above.

            · Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

The restrictions don’t apply to stoves using liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. They also don’t apply within city limits or to activities that land-managing agencies have specifically issued permits for.

 

Anyone hunting or recreating must identify and abide by fire and land use restrictions that are in effect in the areas where they plan to be. Hunters and recreationists in any part of the state should take the following precautions to prevent the start of wildfires:

 

· When you park your vehicle, make sure that no dry grass is touching the catalytic

converter or exhaust system.

· Avoid traveling off-road (under Stage II restrictions off-road travel is prohibited).

· Carry standard fire suppression equipment ( shovel, pick, axe, large bucket) in your

vehicle, including a gallon or two of water. A fire extinguisher is a plus.

· Avoid campfires in dry areas, regardless of whether there are Stage I or II fire

restrictions in place.

· Limit smoking to inside an automobile or buildings.

· If you are headed outdoors for the day or an overnight trip, check the fire restrictions

that apply where you intend to travel and camp. Sources of this information include all

state and federal land management agencies, county commission offices, local fire

officials, and the Internet. For FWP sites, go to FWP’s Drought & Fire Updates.

· When requesting permission to use private land, discuss the fire threat with the

landowner so he or she knows you are aware of the problem and will act accordingly.

· Stay clear of areas of active fire to avoid creating safety issues and possibly delaying

the suppression effort.

· Cell phones, where service is available, are handy to report sightings of smoke or to

contact other emergency service personnel.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to contact the nearest land management agency if they are unclear about current restrictions. Information is also available from the following web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/restrictions_index.htm .