Tribes loosen fire restrictions

In light of recent rain and cooler temperatures, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have cancelled the recent closure of the Flathead River at Perma Bridge and also rescinded Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective Sept. 1.

The river was temporarily closed while the River Road East Fire was raging near Paradise, for the safety of fishermen and recreationalists.

Stage 1 fire restrictions were also lifted, meaning people “can resume normal field activities,” including smoking, and the use of fires for warming and cooking and for cultural uses.

At the same time, the CSKT Division of Fire reminds the public to use extreme caution when working or recreating outdoors in order to decrease the chance of human-caused fires and avoid resource and property damage.

Open burning on the Flathead Indian Reservation is prohibited until Oct. 1, when debris burning is allowed. Residents who do not comply with this order are responsible for damages occurring from escaped fires.

The current fire danger on the Flathead Reservation is Moderate, but Division of Fire personnel stress the importance of keeping a close eye on campfires.

“It’s still fire season,” says fire prevention specialist C.T. Camel.

For more information, call the Division of Fire at 676-2550.