Burn bans, water restrictions starting, underway

At 12:01 a.m. Tuesday Hill County will implement a burn ban, prohibiting people in Hill County from open burning until the ban is rescinded, and the City of Havre is implementing water restrictions.

Under the burn ban no campfires will be allowed and no burn permits will be issued, but barbecuing is allowed provided all safety regulations are followed.

Blaine County recently implemented a similar ban.

Chouteau County has issued a red flag warning for fires to its own residents as well due to local conditions, though Chouteau County Commissioner Bob Pasha said they are reevaluating that warning every day.

Liberty County has not implemented any bans but the Liberty County Commission is scheduled to discuss a possible burn ban at a meeting Tuesday.

Havre Director of Public Works Trevor Mork said in a press release that that city Water Treatment Plant has reached full treatment capacity and is unable to meet additional water demand at this time.

"Due to the current circumstances, we ask that water usage is restricted for non-essential activities such as lawn irrigation or washing of vehicles," Mork said in the release. "Restrictions for lawn irrigation are for odd-numbered houses to water on odd days and even-numbered to water on even days at the minimum watering necessary. The quality of water produced at the treatment plant has not been affected and meets all regulatory requirements."

The release added that Havre will continue to keep the community informed and will provide additional notifications if circumstances change.