Stage II fire restrictions hitting Missouri Breaks

From the Blaine County Commission

Authorities governing the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument, including the portion contained within Blaine County, are moving to Stage II restrictions effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

Stage II restrictions prohibit the following acts between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. unless exempted:

• Operating any internal combustion engine.

• Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

• Using an explosive.

A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities as identified in these activities

• Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

The Blaine County Commissioners also reminded all Blaine County residents and visitors that Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect in the rest of the county.

Stage 1 Restrictions also remain in place in Chouteau and Hill counties and Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation has a burn ban in place.

Under Stage I restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless specifically exempted.

• 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.

With the continued cooperation of county residents, it is hoped the move to Stage II restrictions can be avoided as many daily operations would then be extremely limited.

As fires have been reported that have been caused by the operation of machinery, we ask that you maintain extreme vigilance when operating internal combustion engines or machinery of any kind. Please secure tow chains when towing a vehicle.

Complete information including exemptions regarding Fire Stage Restrictions can be found at https://firerestrictions.us.