Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, trying to stay cool, you probably know that just about our entire region is under Stage II fire restrictions.

The short version::

• No fires, including campfires.
• No 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.”
• No motorized vehicles are allowed off designated roads and trails.

Also, there are “hoot owl” restrictions (prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.) on

• Operating any internal combustion engine (e.g., a chainsaw).
• Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive.

Additionally a one hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all “hoot owl” activities.

For more information on area fire restrictions, see https://firerestrictions.us/mt/.

For the full text of the press release sent out by area agencies, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD552299.