The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 6

In response to dry, warm weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires, under the recommendations of county officials, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fishing access sites (FASs) and wildlife management areas (WMAs) are now under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Hill and Blaine counties. Both counties entered Stage 1 restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 10.

County officials in those counties enacted the Stage 1 Restrictions, which ban campfires except where specifically exempted. Landowners and agencies in those counties may or may not exempt specific sites. Stage 1 Restrictions also prohibit smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, and in areas at least three feet in diameter that are cleared of all flammable materials.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, persons may use a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3’ of device.

Many FAS’s (both day-use and overnight) under no fire restrictions allow campfires in steel grates. Please be aware, however, that fires are NEVER allowed on WMA’s and at some FAS’s.

Per FWP policy under these Stage 1 restrictions, NO campfires will be allowed, even in steel grates, at any FAS in Hill and Blaine counties. To be specific, campfires are prohibited at the following FAS sites:

-Faber Reservoir FAS, Blaine Co.

-Bailey Reservoir FAS, Hill Co.

-Bear Paw Reservoir FAS, Hill Co.

-Fresno Tailwater FAS, Hill Co.

For updates on restrictions and closures around the state, go to fwp.mt.gov and under the “news” tab, click on “drought and fire.”