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Board of County Commissioners Return to Stage One Fire Restrictions

Residents are still urged to practice fire safe behavior

Helena – In recognition of the recent shift to cooler and wetter weather patterns, as well as changes to longer range forecasts, the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners today approved a resolution to rescind Stage Two fire restrictions for the entire county and return to Stage One restrictions for areas east of the Continental Divide. Areas west of the Divide will not be under fire restrictions. Debris burning remains closed county-wide. The resolution will go into effect at 12:01am Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

The County appreciates the tireless efforts of our rural fire council members as well as fire crews from around the country that continue to support wildland fire suppression efforts across the State of Montana.

While the weather has shifted, fire danger continues and common sense precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of human starts. Heightened restrictions may still be in place for State and Federal land and those recreating on those lands should check the current status before traveling.

For a complete list of fire restrictions in Montana, visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/. Up to date information related to active fire incidents can be found at InciWeb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov).

The text of the resolution is below:

RESOLUTION 2021 – 77

A RESOLUTION TO AMEND FIRE RESTRICTIONS

WHEREAS, this Resolution is issued in compliance with Section 7-33-2212 of the Montana Code Annotated and supersedes prior County resolutions 2021-57, 2021-64, and 2021-66;

WHEREAS, the wildfire risk indicators such as moisture and temperature, as well as national and regional resource availability have improved, and

WHEREAS, while heightened restrictions may still be in force on surrounding State and Federal lands.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, at the request of the Lewis & Clark County Fire Warden, pursuant to 7-33-2212 MCA, the Board of Commissioners rescind Resolution 2021-66 which established Stage II fire restrictions and return to Stage I restrictions east of the Continental Divide as outlined below.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following acts remain prohibited within Lewis and Clark County on private and public property east of the Continental Divide until further notice:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless noted in the exemptions below.

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.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following is a list of exemptions:

a. Campfires on private or public property only if they are within an improved fire ring or pit made of solid metal, stone, or cement and no larger than 48 inches across.

b. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

c. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.

d. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

e. Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

f. All land within a City boundary is exempted.

g. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution becomes effective Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 12:01am, and shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended or rescinded by the Board of County Commissioners.

Lewis and Clark County website at https://www.lccountymt.gov/des/flood-information.html

Lewis and Clark County Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LewisandClarkCountyEmergency

 

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