“Both Forests have very high to extreme fire danger levels,” said Marna Daley, Public Affairs Officer. “Vegetation and fine fuels across south central and eastern Montana are extremely dry making it imperative to know and follow the fire restrictions in your area.”
Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. From 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. operating any internal combustion engine, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, and using an explosive is prohibited. In addition, a one hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities as identified above and smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is also prohibited.
Stage I Fire Restrictions require that Forest visitors build, maintain, attend or use a fire or campfire in a stove and that campfires and charcoal fires will be allowed only at developed or designated recreation sites or campgrounds in an agency provided metal fire ring. Fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels may be used anywhere on National Forest System lands during Stage I Fire Restrictions. Additionally, under Stage I Fire Restrictions smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.
Remember that if visiting National Forest System lands to bring a bucket, water, shovel and to always leave your campfire dead out, which means no heat to the touch. If visiting an area in Stage II restrictions, plan on enjoying your recreation festivities without utilizing a fire. Additional specific information can be found by visiting www.firerestrictions.us, www.fs.usda.gov/gallatin, www.fs.usda.gov/custer or by calling your local ranger district office.