Stage I Fire Restrictions will take effect on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 12:01 AM local time and will apply to all private lands within Flathead County.

Flathead County Enacts Stage I Fire Restrictions Due to Extreme Fire Danger

Flathead County, Montana - August 1, 2024 – In response to the recent hot, dry, and windy conditions that have elevated the fire danger to high to very high across the region, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners has considered and approved the resolution implementing Stage I fire restrictions. These restrictions will take effect on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 12:01 AM local time and will apply to all private lands within Flathead County.

The fire danger has reached critical levels, and the threat of new fire starts that are resistant to control poses a significant hazard to the residents of Flathead County. Therefore, the following actions and uses are prohibited under the Stage I fire restrictions:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.

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

3. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions:

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

2. Persons on their private property using BBQ grills, provided the area around the grill is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet, and there is running water available.

3. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.

4. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.

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

6. Agricultural operations.

7. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

8. All land within a city boundary.

9. Other exemptions unique to each agency or tribe.

Violation of these restrictions may be prosecuted under applicable Montana law. An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.

These restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded by the Board of Commissioners of Flathead County.

For further information and updates, please contact us at Smith Valley Fire 406.752.3548, Public Information Officer Tanath Bradley at tbradley@flathead.mt.gov, or visit the Flathead County official website at https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/fireservice.