Stage 1 fire restrictions take effect on all FWP properties in Hill and Roosevelt counties

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

In response to dry, warm weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fishing access sites — FASs — and wildlife management areas — WMAs — will be under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Hill and Roosevelt counties beginning at 12:01 a.m. last Friday morning.

The restrictions will be in effect until further notice.

FWP followed the lead of Hill and Roosevelt county officials who announced this week that they are entering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions ban campfires except where specifically exempted.

Landowners and agencies in those counties may or may not exempt specific sites. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions also prohibit smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, and in areas at least three feet in diameter that are cleared of all flammable materials. People still may cook on an LP gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.

Per FWP policy, no fires will be allowed, even in steel grates, at any FAS or WMA in the above-named counties. Campfires, normally allowed, are prohibited at the following sites:

• Bear Paw Lake FAS, Hill County

• Bailey Reservoir FAS, Hill County

• Fresno Tail water FAS, Hill County

Open fires are already prohibited year-round at Lost River and Rookery WMAs in Hill County, and Lewis and Clark FAS — Bridge Park — in Roosevelt County.

For updates on restrictions and closures around the state, go to http://fwp.mt.gov , and under the “news” tab, click on “drought and fire.”