Stage II fire restrictions rescinded

Stage II fire restrictions will be rescinded beginning Friday morning, as the area has seen wetter and cooler weather. That means people can once again have campfires and use charcoal grills, but people are still urged to use caution, as the fire season has yet to come to an end.

Historically, many of the wildfires in the Flathead area have grown substantially with weather systems and high winds common in late August and early September.

Labor Day weekend is a popular time for family camping and outdoor recreation, but people are urged to never leave a campfire unattended. Use water, dirt, and a shovel to put it out and make certain it is out cold before you leave.

Federal, State, and Private jurisdictions rescinding fire restrictions include:

Flathead National Forest

Kootenai National Forest

Glacier National Park

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

Flathead County and Lake County – effective immediately

Sanders County – Has moved to Stage 1 Fire restrictions (campfires onlyallowed in developed campgrounds with fire grates)

Lincoln County – Contingent upon commissioner signature.