Lake County enters stage 1 fire restrictions

KALISPELL — Lake County is entering stage 1 fire restrictions, effective Friday.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks follows the county’s lead in placing fire restrictions on its properties within a particular county. Under stage 1 restrictions, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire is prohibited unless an exemption is made.

Exceptions to the Lake County restrictions on FWP properties include established steel fire grates at the following units of Flathead Lake State Park: Finley Point, Yellow Bay, Big Arm, and West Shore. Campfires are still allowed at designated sites in these four state parks.

Under these restrictions, people may only smoke within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter cleared of flammable materials. People may cook on a liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.

These restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice. FWP urges people to use caution while they are out recreating due to dry conditions and fire dangers. People start as many as 75% of wildfires in Montana. The leading causes of fire escapes are debris burning, escaped campfires, and lawn/farm equipment.

Learn more about wildfire prevention and the latest information on fires in Montana at https://www.mtfireinfo.org.