MISSOULA, Mont. — Stage 2 fire restrictions are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, across Missoula's open space and conservation lands.
Missoula Fire Chief Lonnie Rash and Mayor Andrea Davis agreed to move to the tighter restrictions with other agencies to places that include Mount Jumbo, Mount Sentinel, North Hills, the Kim Williams Trail, Greenough Park and the Tower Street conservation area.
Rash said the decision came after recent vegetation fires in and around the Missoula Valley and ongoing regional weather concerns.
"With recent vegetative fire starts in and around the Missoula Valley, coupled with regional weather patterns, the move to Stage II restrictions is warranted," Rash said. "Fire conditions are deteriorating daily, and we feel that it is in the best interest of public safety to act accordingly with the move to these restrictions. If conditions persist, we may consider closures of properties owned and/or managed by the City."
Under the restrictions, it’s unlawful to build, maintain, attend or use a fire or campfire. Smoking is only allowed inside an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area with at least a 3-foot circle cleared of flammable material.
Motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails will also be barred. From 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., people also cannot run internal combustion engines, weld, use an acetylene torch or other open flame torch or use explosives.
City officials said more restrictions could follow if conditions continue, including public land closures or afternoon recreational "hoot owl" closures.
A city parks, trails and open space map is available online.