HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Commission has announced that while the County will remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for now, they will be lifting the ban on campfires in established pits.
The rescinding of the campfire ban will go into effect at 12:01 AM on Friday morning.
The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and campfire ban were initially implemented in late July.
The relaxing of restrictions is due to recent cooler weather and precipitation that have lowered critical fire weather conditions. However, the Hi-Line remains in a drought, so people should remain cautious and take precautions when recreating outdoors.
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit open burning. It also bans smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, 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 include:
- Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the 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 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
- Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe
