Red Lodge, MT – Persistent hot, dry and windy weather and a recent increase in abandoned campfires have created the need for the Custer Gallatin National Forest to implement State 1 Fire Restrictions on the Beartooth Ranger District, including portions of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. Vegetation and fine fuels are extremely dry, and the weather forecast is predicting continued hot and windy conditions. Stage I restrictions go into effect immediately.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions require that Forest visitors build, maintain, attend or use campfires and charcoal fires only at developed or designated recreation sites or campgrounds in an agency provided metal fire ring. Fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels may be used anywhere on National Forest System lands during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Additionally, under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions smoking is allowed only 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 all flammable materials.
Remember that if visiting National Forest System lands in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to bring a bucket, water, shovel and to always leave your campfire dead out, which means no heat to the touch. Additional specific information can be found by visiting www.firerestrictions.us or by calling your local ranger district office.
