Stage I fire restrictions in Sanders County

Late Thursday afternoon, Aug. 2, the Sanders County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution stating that Stage I fire restrictions be in place on all land in the county, effective at 1 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3. The decision was made due to extremely dry conditions in Sanders County.

The ignition of any open fire, unless within the guidelines of the Stage I Restriction Procedures, is prohibited until further notice.

Restrictions imposed by this resolution include:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless noted by the following exemptions:

a. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

b. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.

c. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

d. Any federal, state or local officer, or member of any organized by written posted notice.

e. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

2. Smoking, except within and enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleaned of all flammable materials.

3. Prohibits the ignition of all fireworks in Sanders County outside of the incorporated cities within the county.

According to the Sanders County Board of Commissioners, any violations of this resolution are a misdemeanor and punishable by six months in the Sanders County Jail and/or a fine of $500. Persons found to have caused a fire may be held liable for all suppression costs and damages.