MILES CITY, Mont. --- Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect on all federal, state, and private land in Powder River and Custer counties at noon and in Carter County at midnight, Thursday, June 28, 2012.
The Ashland District of the Custer National Forest will go to Stage 2 restrictions Thursday at midnight, with all human entry onto the forest restricted.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires are prohibited and 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 barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet.
Stage 2 restrictions include all Stage 1 restrictions and prohibit campfires everywhere (stoves are still allowed). The smallest spark has the potential to cause significant damage, so crush cigarettes dead out, never leave a campfire unattended, ensure that your vehicle has a properly installed spark arrester that is operational and stop and park only in areas clear of vegetation.
Take precautions and always be prepared: carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher.
Contact your local fire department to determine local restrictions as those may vary. Remember, fireworks are prohibited on state and federal lands.
To report wildfires, call 911, your local county office, fire department or the Miles City Interagency Dispatch Center at (406)233-2900. Specific information about fire-restriction options available to federal, state, county and tribal governments is available online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/drought/definitions.html.