Stage II fire restrictions go into effect Saturday

Following is a news release Butte-Silver Bow:

During the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners Regular Meeting, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, we implemented an existing Emergency Section to Suspension the Rules to allow communication 2021-338 and Resolution No. 2021-23 to be added to the council communication. This adoption allows Butte-Silver Bow to formally act on the Dillon Area Restrictions and Closure Group’s determination and implement of emergency fire restrictions within the City-County of Butte-Silver Bow, that began on July 9,2021.

Per Section 4 of the above-mentioned Resolution No. 2021-23, the Director of Fire Services was authorized to upgrade the Special Fire Restrictions to Stage II when and if Stage II restrictions become necessary. Therefore, at his juncture Stage II restrictions will be implemented effective on Saturday July 24 throughout Butte-Silver Bow County.

The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department is a participant of the Northern Rockies Coordination Group and Dillon restrictions Area.  Our Interagency fire management officials (DNRC, BLM, Forest Service) within this group participate in weekly conference calls and share information about current fire conditions and fire weather forecasts.

The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department Agrees with the recommendations of Our Protection Group. As all our surrounding county partners in the same zone will be entering Stage II restrictions in conjunction with the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. Our department agrees that it is best, if we follow the recommendations of the whole unit and enter and rescind restrictions at the same time within our identified zone boundaries. During today’s restrictions call it was agreed on that all parties on the call would be going to stage II restrictions this week. The BLM will be starting Thursday morning at 00:01. All other groups including Butte-Silver Bow will begin Stage 2 starting Saturday morning July 24^th at 00:01.

WHAT STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS MEAN TO YOU

Stage II:  No Fires ANYWHERE, This, includes no recreational campfires in your yards, no smoking unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or area 3 feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials, no operating any internal combustion engine prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no welding of operating acetylene or other torch with open flame prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no operating motorized off designated roads and trails prohibited.

*Land within city boundaries is exempt **a patrol is required for 2 hours following cessation of all activities as identified above.

VIOLATIONS:

1. You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures.
2. You can be held liable for all suppression and damages if you start a fire.

STAGE II

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
2. 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.
3. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:
4. Operating any internal combustion engine.
5. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
6. Using an explosive.

A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above.

4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons using a device fueled solely 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 the device.
3. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
4. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.
5. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions.
6. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
7. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
8. All land within a city boundary is exempted.
9. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Violations:

1. You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures.
2. You can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.