Burn ban starting in Beaver Creek Park

The Hill County Park Board has issued a ban on all campfires within Beaver Creek Park that will go into effect Friday at 12:01 a.m. and remain in place until more rain and moisture temper the dry conditions. Park Board Chair Steve Mariani said today.

Mariani said the board voted unanimously to put the ban in place.

“It was an easy decision. it is the best thing for all of us,” Mariani said. “For the time being it is the best thing for us.”

He added that Park Superintendent Chad Edgar and park employees will enforce the ban and issue tickets to people who violate the ban.

Edgar said signs will be posted at the park informing park goers about the ban. He said the ban is needed due to “extremely dry conditions.”

“A fire would take off at any time pretty quick here under the right conditions,” Edgar said.

People will only be able to use a device in the park solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off, Edgar said. Such devices will only be allowed to be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

The ban comes in the wake of Montana experiencing severe fires in multiple regions and of fire restrictions being enacted in many parts of the state.