Stage II fire restrictions to end

Fire restrictions across northwest Montana are being rescinded effective on Friday.

Interagency fire managers announced the change on Wednesday afternoon that will remove Stage II fire restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31.

Recent rain and cooler temperatures have substantially slowed growth of all area fires, but fire managers encourage people to recognize that, while evenings are cool, forest vegetation remains dry, according to a press release from the Northern Rockies Coordination Group.

Stage II fire restrictions for much of northwest Montana have been in place since mid-August.

The upcoming Labor Day weekend is a popular time for camping and outdoor recreation and folks are reminded to never leave a campfire unattended. Use water, dirt and a shovel to put out campfires and make certain it is out cold before leaving.

The fire danger for the Flathead National Forest remains at “very high.”

Jurisdictions rescinding fire restrictions include, the Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Glacier National Park, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildland Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The city of Whitefish also rescinded its Stage II restrictions effective on Wednesday.

Flathead County and Lake County are rescinding restrictions effective immediately.

Sanders County has moved to Stage I fire restrictions and Lincoln County is contingent upon approval by that county’s commissioners.

For more information, visit https://firerestrictions.us/mt/.