Northwest Montana to go under Stage I Fire Restrictions

Aug 16, 2023

KALISPELL - Areas in Northwest Montana will soon be going under tighter restrictions.

Interagency fire managers will put Stage I Fire Restrictions into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Fire officials note that each year, 70 to 80% of wildfires are human-caused and this summer the trend has continued.

Northwest Montana is currently experiencing drought conditions including extremely dry forest fuels; forecasts of temperatures above normal accompanied by low humidity, wind, and minimal precipitation; and competition for firefighting resources, as fires continue to burn.

Fire Restrictions aim to reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition.

Federal, State, and Private jurisdictions under Stage I restrictions include:

The Following Acts Are Prohibited Stage I Fire Restrictions:

Stage I Exemptions:

Violations:

Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for the latest information on current wildfire and restrictions.

Know your risk and do your part to prevent accidental wildfire ignitions this summer.