Hill County Commission approves new board appointments, fire restrictions now in effect

In their weekly business meeting Thursday, the Hill County Commission announced recent local board appointments and resignations, as well as approving a number of budget adjustments and discussing current fire restrictions.

The commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Denise Brewer, also a member of Havre’s City Council, to the Hill County Cemetery District Board, as well as a number of reappointments to various local boards.

They also announced the resignation of Lex Keller from the Great Northern Fair Board.

The commissioners also talked about the Stage 1 fire restrictions that went into effect today at 12:01 a.m. to prevent wildfires as severe drought conditions continue on the Hi-Line and throughout Montana.

These restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire in Hill County, including Beaver Creek Park, the Fresno Dam area and Rocky Boy.

Smoking, 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 barren or cleared of all flammable materials is also prohibited.

People with a written permit that specifically authorized the otherwise prohibited act are exempted along with those using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off, provided they are used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of device.

Fires in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written post, or in areas that may have unique agency or tribe exemptions are also not prohibited.

A release sent to the Havre Daily News earlier this week says Montana State Law requires anyone who causes a fire to be held financially liable for damages and suppression costs and exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempt activity.

Hill County Commissioner Diane McLean said law enforcement in the county has been notified of the new restrictions.

McLean said she hopes the rain the area has received in the past few days will improve conditions.

Havre announced this week it also implemented similar fire restrictions that also took effect today.