Single Publication

Missoula Area Restrictions & Closures

For More Information Contact: Michael Sullivan, USFS -Bitterroot National Forest (406) 363-7150, Michael.P.Sullivan@usda.gov

Flathead and Sanders Counties Removing Fire Restrictions – Effective September 1, 2023

Missoula, MT—Flathead and Sanders counties will be removing all fire restrictions on September 1, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. This transition from Stage 2 fire restrictions to no restrictions will also include all State land and private classified as forested land within both counties. Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect for the Flathead Indian Reservation, Lake and Granite counties, and all State land and private classified as forested land throughout Lake and Granite counties. The Lolo National Forest and several other jurisdictions within the Missoula Restrictions Area are not implementing fire restrictions currently. For more information on fire restrictions in effect throughout Montana visit www.MTFireInfo.org.

Factors influencing the decision to implement, alter, or maintain fire restrictions are variable and reflect the diverse conditions across the landscape. Moisture received has helped reduce fire danger in many areas within the Missoula Restrictions Zone, but forecasted weather, current large fire activity, frequent human caused wildfires, and resource limitations are also important criteria that influence decisions regarding fire restrictions. Restrictions are intended to minimize unwanted human ignition sources to better allow firefighters to focus on naturally caused fires. This year, an average of 80% of Missoula Area wildfires have been human caused.

Under Stage 1 restrictions for Lake and Granite counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), the following acts are prohibited until rescinded:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site.

2. Smoking, except within 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.

Restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger and orders are rescinded. Restrictions documentation for each jurisdiction, including exemptions specific to each jurisdiction, is provided on www.MTFireInfo.org. Please remember that while using devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels is allowed during Stage 1 or Stage 2 restrictions, such devices are to be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

In summary, the following restrictions will be in place by September 1, 2023, 12:01 a.m. within the Missoula Restrictions Area:

• Granite County – Stage 1 • Lake County – Stage 1

• Flathead Indian Reservation (CS&KT) – Stage 1

• Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), State land and private classified as forested land within the above counties – Stage 1

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Region 1 within Lake County – Stage 1

• Montana FWP, Region 2 within Granite County – Stage 1