Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has added restrictions, including a ban on campfires, to its properties in south central Montana to address extreme and deteriorating wildfire conditions.

Most counties in the region have implemented Stage II fire regulations, which are the most restrictive short of land closures. FWP’s restrictions are consistent with the regulations enforced by the counties.

The new restrictions prohibit:

• Open fires, including campfires. Propane or LPG stoves are allowed.
• Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or building or with an area that is cleared of flammable material for three feet.
• Use of internal-combustion engines between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. each day. RV generators are allowed if they have a spark arrester and are in a vehicle or an area that is clear of overhangs and flammable material.
• Use of motorized vehicles off of designated roads and trails.
• Any fireworks

The restrictions apply specifically to state parks, fishing access sites and wildlife management areas in Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Carbon, Yellowstone, Big Horn, Wheatland, Golden Valley and Musselshell counties.

Specific information about fire-restriction options available to federal, state, county and tribal governments is available online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/drought/definitions.html.

Logo courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks