BLM summary of current fire restrictions
Organization
Media Contact:
(BILLINGS, Mont.) – In an effort to consolidate multiple fire restriction notices, along with continued elevated fire risk across the Montana/Dakotas region, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has placed fire restrictions on BLM-administered lands within the following areas:
- Big Horn County, MT
- Carbon County, MT
- Dawson County, MT
- Musselshell County, MT
- Stillwater County, MT
- Treasure County, MT
- North Hills (near Helena, MT)
- 40-acre Williston Shooting Site, McKenzie County, North Dakota
- Schnell Recreation Area, Stark County, North Dakota
Stage 1 fire restrictions state the following acts are prohibited:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼” spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
Smoking, except in 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.
Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked. Please stay up to date with the latest fire restriction information by following BLM Montana/Dakotas on Facebook and twitter @BLM_MTDKs
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.