All campfires banned; Stage 2 restrictions now in effect

With more than 90 wildfires burning across Northwest Montana, new fire restrictions go into effect on Thursday.

Stage 2 restrictions ban all open burning, including campfires, and restrict vehicles to designated roads and trails.

In addition, equipment operation involving internal combustion engines such as chain saws is prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The restrictions apply to any lands outside designated city limits, regardless of ownership. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger.

Fire danger currently is extreme and six wildfires have covered more than 1,000 acres each.

Jurisdictions affected by the restrictions include:

* Flathead National Forest.

* Kootenai National Forest.

* Bob Marshall Wilderness lands within the Flathead National Forest

* Glacier National Park.

* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

* Montana Department of Natural Resources Northwestern Land Office.

* Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 1.

* Counties: Flathead, Lake (outside of Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal land), Lincoln and Sanders.

Specifically, Stage 2 restrictions:

1. Prohibit any open burning, including campfires.

2. Allow smoking only in areas cleared of all flammable materials.

3. Restrict motorized vehicles to designated roads and trails.

4. Prohibit from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. operating an internal combustion engine and blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material. A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all such work.

5. Exempt fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization.