MISSOULA, Wash. — Lolo National Forest announced Stage 2 fire restrictions will begin Thursday, August 6, across the forest except for lands in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Seeley Lake Ranger District.
With the ongoing hot and dry weather, growing wildfire risk and current and forecast fire activity, the restrictions are meant to lower the risk of preventable fires caused by people.
Under the order, people are banned from building or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Smoking is also limited to enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites or stopped areas with at least a 3-foot diameter cleared of flammable material.
The order also bans welding or using an acetylene torch or other open-flame torch. It also bars the operation of an internal combustion engine.