CSKT tightens fire restrictions

Hot, dry conditions and lack of precipitation in the forecast have prompted wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire to raise the fire danger within the Flathead Indian Reservation to extreme. In addition fire managers implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Extreme fire danger means that dry grasses and needles ignite easily and fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control.

Stage 2 restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire; and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or an area at least three feet in diameter that’s free of flammable materials.

From 1 p.m.-1 a.m. daily, activities are prohibited on tribal trust and tribal feed lands that involve the operation of any internal combustion engine; welding or operating a torch with an open flame; using an explosive; or driving a motorized vehicle off designated roads or trails.

Farmers are encouraged to hay in the morning hours, and everyone should avoid driving or parking their vehicles in tall grass.

Residents and visitors are urged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org to learn of fire restrictions that are in place across Montana.

For more information, contact the CSKT Division of Fire at 676-2550 or contact C.T. Camel, fire prevention specialist, at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or ct.camel@cskt.org.