(BILLINGS, Mont.) - In an effort to consolidate multiple fire restriction notices, along with continued elevated fire risk across the Montana/Dakotas region, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has placed fire restrictions on BLM-administered lands within the following areas:
* Big Horn County, MT
* Carbon County, MT
* Dawson County, MT
* Musselshell County, MT
* Stillwater County, MT
* Treasure County, MT
* North Hills (near Helena, MT)
* 40-acre Williston Shooting Site, McKenzie County, North Dakota
* Schnell Recreation Area, Stark County, North Dakota
Stage 1 fire restrictions state the following acts are prohibited:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼" spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
Smoking, except in 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.
Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked. Please stay up to date with the latest fire restriction information by following BLM Montana/Dakotas on Facebook and twitter @BLM_MTDKs
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
