Whitefish enacts fire restrictions

Joining Flathead County and area forestlands, Whitefish has entered Stage I fire restrictions.

Whitefish Fire Chief Joe Page ordered the city to begin the restrictions that became effective on Saturday and then on Monday City Council passed an emergency ordinance keeping the restrictions in place.

“The City of Whitefish is experiencing unusual hot and dry conditions elevating the fire danger to extreme,” Page said. “The heat and dry fuels create a condition ideal for quick-catching and fast-spreading wildfires.”

Page said with restrictions tightening in Northwest Montana it makes sense to follow the same restrictions in Whitefish.

“We want to stay in the same stage as with the county to cut down on confusion especially with tourists,” he said.

Stage I fire restrictions also began Saturday across Flathead County, the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Kalispell, Stillwater and Swan units.

Under Stage I restrictions, campfires are prohibited except within an established metal fire ring within a developed campground or recreation area.

Smoking must be confined to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed campground or recreation site, or while in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.

Devices fueld by liquid petroleum and that can be turned on and off are still allowed, but can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

The fire danger is very high in Flathead County.

Page said based upon current conditions he would expect that the county and city, along with forestlands, will likely be headed to Stage II restrictions later next week.

Numerous fires burning in the region have impacted air quality at times pushing it to the unhealthy level. The air quality in the Flathead Valley on Monday was listed as moderate, meaning unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

Stage II fire restrictions are in effect in Lincoln, Sanders and Lake counties, meaning all campfires are strictly prohibited.