Stage 1 And 2 Fire Restrictions in Montana Explained

• Fire season is on in Montana as temperatures continue to rise, and thunderstorms bring lighting to timber lined mountains
• In one 24-hour period recently the Montana DNRC reported over 15,000 lighting strikes across the state
• Some Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in place in Montana; know the difference between each to stay safe

Stage 1 And 2 Fire Restrictions in Montana Explained

The views that Mother Nature can create with a thunder or lighting storm in Montana can be breathtaking.  But those same storms can mean devastation in the form of wildfires across Big Sky Country.

via GIPHY

In just one recent 24-hour period, the Montana DNRC recorded over 15,000 of those strikes in the state.  Those stats make it easy to see how things can quickly get out of hand with fires.

Fire Restrictions in Montana Include Stage 1 and 2

In Montana there are two separate designations of restrictions when the dry conditions and low humidity happen in the state.  Restrictions are defined as Stage 1 and Stage 2 with the latter being the most restrictive to outdoor activities.

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Those restrictions are also part of local fire department regulations that may also occur at a specific location.  For particular fire restrictions in a specific zone, the Montana Fire Info webpage can offer further details and possible regulations that may be in effect.

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Here are the Differences in the Two Stages of Restrictions in Montana Outdoors

The Montana DNRC fire restrictions can be identified in the following ways:

• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions -
  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless noted in the exemptions below.
  • 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.
• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions -
  
  • Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
  • 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.
  • The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am:
    • Operating any internal combustion engine.
    • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
    • Using an explosive.
  • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

You can learn more about specific fire restrictions and areas that are affected by them at the Montana Fire Info website here.