As summer heat intensifies, more counties in Montana are now under fire restrictions.

Starting today at 12:01 a.m., Stage I fire restrictions are in effect for Deer Lodge County in west-central Montana. In south-central Montana, Stillwater County is now under Stage I restrictions, while Sweet Grass County has escalated to Stage II restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26. Additionally, Treasure County in southeastern Montana will enter Stage I restrictions at the same time.

FWP Properties Affected by Fire Restrictions:

Deer Lodge County:

  • Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
  • Lost Creek WMA
  • Lost Creek State Park
  • Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park
  • Mount Haggin WMA
  • Sportsman's Park Fishing Access Site (FAS)
  • Fishtrap Creek FAS
  • Garrity Mountain WMA
  • Blue Eyed Nellie WMA
  • Stuart Mill Bay FAS
  • Stucky Ridge WMA

Stillwater County:

  • Big Lake Wildlife Management Area
  • Buffalo Jump FAS
  • Castle Rock FAS
  • Cliff Swallow FAS
  • Fireman’s Point FAS
  • Holmgren FAS
  • Homestead Isle FAS
  • Indian Fort FAS
  • Jeffrey’s Landing FAS
  • Moraine FAS
  • Rosebud Isle FAS
  • Swinging Bridge FAS
  • Whitebird FAS

Sweet Grass County:

  • Big Rock Fishing FAS
  • Boulder Forks FAS
  • Bratten FAS
  • Grey Bear FAS
  • Otter Creek FAS
  • Pelican FAS
  • Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park

Treasure County:

  • Myers Bridge FAS
  • Isaac Homestead WMA
  • Amelia Island WMA

Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibit:

  • 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.

Stage II Fire Restrictions Include Stage I Restrictions Plus Prohibit:

  • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
  • Using explosives.
  • Operating any internal combustion engine, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.

However, gas or propane stoves that can be turned on and off are still allowed under Stage II restrictions.

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These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) urges everyone to exercise caution due to dry conditions and high fire danger.

For more information on wildfire prevention and updates on fires in Montana, visit www.mtfireinfo.org.

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