Flathead County, Whitefish move into Stage II fire restrictions

More hot, dry and windy conditions, along with the Flathead National Forest's first large wildfire of the season, prompted fire managers to impose Stage II fire restrictions which began Monday in Northwest Montana.

The restrictions are in effect across the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks sites, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Kalispell, Stillwater and Swan units, and Flathead County.

The City of Whitefish also enacted Stage II fire restrictions on Monday.

Two forest fires are currently burning in Flathead County. As of Monday the Hay Creek Fire up the North Fork Road burning near Polebridge had burned around 1,100 acres and was still listed as 0% containment. The Flathead County Sheriff's Office expanded the evacuation warning in the North Fork area over the weekend and throughout Monday.

The Hemlock Fire, another wildfire burning in Flathead County, is located just south of Werner Peak. The fire was reported at 16 acres and as of Monday was 80% contained. The Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead Forest recently reported that they began mop-up operations to secure fire lines and work toward 100% containment.

Stage II restrictions also are in effect in Lincoln, Sanders, Lake and Mineral counties. They strictly prohibit all campfires. Smoking is not allowed except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of debris. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails also is prohibited.

Other acts are prohibited between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m., including using explosives, welding and using a torch with an open flame. More information about the restrictions can be found at mtfireinfo.org.

Separate restrictions began Thursday on Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. lands. Fires, camping, smoking, fireworks, shooting and the use of internal combustion engines are prohibited, and motor vehicles are allowed only on open, public roads. Non-motorized use will be allowed until further notice.

The Stimson Timber Co. is not allowing any fires on its lands and camping is prohibited except in a designated area along the Fisher River. Motorized use is not allowed behind closed gates.

Fire officials warned that violating the restrictions and closures could result in jail time and fines of up to $10,000. Anyone who starts a fire can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages.

Each year, 70% to 80% of wildfires are human-caused and that trend has continued this summer, officials said.

Northwest Montana continues to experience drought conditions, including extremely dry forest fuels and weather forecasts of high temperatures accompanied by wind, low humidity and minimal precipitation. Fires continue to burn across Montana and the West where firefighting resources are in high demand.

Authorities are asking people not to park in tall, dry grass because heat from a vehicle's undercarriage and exhaust pipe can spark fires. Those hauling trailers should make sure they aren't dragging chains on the road, which also can create sparks.