High fire risk leads to Stage I Restriction

PABLO — As evidenced by the recent outbreak of several devastating wildfires, the area is on high alert with respect to fire danger. With fire indices rated as “extreme” and “very high” throughout the Flathead Indian Reservation, the CSKT Tribal Council imposed a Stage I Restriction on fire use as a precautionary safeguard that went into effect on Tuesday.

PABLO — As evidenced by the recent outbreak of several devastating wildfires, the area is on high alert with respect to fire danger. With fire indices rated as “extreme” and “very high” throughout the Flathead Indian Reservation, the CSKT Tribal Council imposed a Stage I Restriction on fire use as a precautionary safeguard that went into effect on Tuesday.

CSKT Division of Fire Chief Curt Matt said that “current fire conditions and prolonged hot weather” prompted the restriction, which imposes strict limitations on many fire-related activities. Recreational fires will be temporarily forbidden unless otherwise noted and outdoor smoking is only permissible once all flammable vegetation and debris has been cleared within a three-foot diameter.

Lands within city limits are exempted from the restrictions, though citizens are still warned to exercise great caution at all times.

The smoking and campfire limitations are the only conditions imposed by Stage I fire restrictions. Should the level of fire danger warrant Stage II restrictions, activities such as welding and off-road use of motorized vehicles would also be impacted.

For more information regarding the restriction, citizens are encouraged to call the Division of Fire at 676-2550.