BILLINGS – Sweet Grass County will move out of Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will follow the county’s lead in lifting fire restrictions on its properties within Sweet Grass County.
Some south-central Montana counties remain in fire restrictions. Regardless of restrictions, recreationists are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, having a campfire at FWP sites is not allowed. Under Stage 1, fires are only allowed in metal fire rings if posted as an exemption. Smoking is prohibited 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 cleared of flammable materials. Recreationists may cook on a liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.
Stage 2 restrictions also prohibit operating lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and other internal combustion engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.; welding or operating acetylene or other torch devices with an open flame between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; using an explosive between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; and operating motor vehicles off designated roads and trails, with exceptions for those carrying out official business related to the function of governmental agencies and public utilities.
To see a full list of restrictions and other fire-related information, visit: www.mtfireinfo.org.
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