Stage One Fire Restrictions for Missoula County

Camping and labor day weekend go hand and hand, and it's hard to imagine a camping trip without a campfire. However, according to Frank Maradeo, the chair of the Missoula County Fire Protection Association; Missoula county will be under stage one fire restrictions over labor day weekend.

Maradeo was still uncertain of the exact date that the restrictions would be in place on Monday, but was clear about what the restrictions mean. Below is the official definition of stage one fire restrictions.

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

Stage I Fire Restrictions

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

Stage I Fire Restrictions

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.

Exemptions:

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

Persons using 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 feet of the device.

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

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

All land within a city boundary is exempted.

Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Campfires are permitted in designated steel fire grates in State Parks.

Violations:

You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures.

You can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.