Originally published in the Yellowstone County News
BILLINGS — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has prohibited campfires, most smoking and most open flames in fishing access sites in three south central Montana counties because of wildfire danger.
Starting early Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, Yellowstone County will enforce Stage I fire restrictions. Bighorn County and Carbon County (outside of U.S. Forest Service lands) will enforce State I fire restrictions starting early Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, 2015.
At the same times, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will restrict fires in its fishing access sites in those counties.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, visitors to fishing access sites in the affected counties are prohibited from using a campfire. They must smoke only in an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area cleared of flammable materials. People may use a device fueled solely by LP gas or propane, which can be turned on and off.
Campfires are permitted in steel fire rings in designated campgrounds at Montana state parks. In south central Montana, those state parks include Cooney State Park, Tongue River Reservoir State Park, Chief Plenty Coups State Park and Pictograph Cave State Park.
No fires are allowed at Yellowstone River State Park near Pompeys Pillar or at any of the region’s wildlife management areas.
The restrictions are in response to dry, hot weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires. They will be in effect until further notice.