8/23/13, 9:30pm: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest

Our Forest Service neighbor, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, is instituting Stage 1 fire restrictions. Please read on to find out what you can and cannot do during your visit to the Forest. Be fire-safe and fire-aware!

For Immediate Release Contact: Marianne Baumberger, 406-522-2549
Date:     August 23, 2013                                Marna Daley 406-587-6703                         

Fire Restrictions in Effect within Custer-Gallatin National Forest

Bozeman and Red Lodge, MT – Persistent hot and dry weather, large fire activity in the area, and the lack of fire suppression resources across the nation has triggered the entire Gallatin National Forest into Stage I Fire Restrictions.  The Absaroka Beartooth and Lee Metcalf Wilderness Areas within the Gallatin National Forest are also in Stage I Fire Restrictions. Stage I Fire Restrictions on the Gallatin Forest will go into effect on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 0001 hours or just after midnight. 
The Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer National Forest remains in Stage I Fire Restrictions everywhere except their portion of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
                Stage I Fire Restrictions require that Forest visitors only have campfires and charcoal fires at designated recreation sites or campgrounds in an agency provided metal fire ring. All other fires, even those within rock fire rings and in wood-burning stoves in canvas wall tents are prohibited. Fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels, that can be turned off and on, may be used anywhere on National Forest System lands during Stage I Fire Restrictions.  Additionally, under Stage I Fire Restrictions smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.
It is important for all of us to stay vigilant about fire safety. Please be careful and think about how your actions could start a fire.  Additional information can be found by visiting www.firerestrictions.us, www.fs.usda.gov/gallatin, www.fs.usda.gov/custer or by calling your local ranger district office.

Gallatin National Forest Ranger Districts                         Custer National Forest Ranger Districts
Big Timber:  406-932-5155                                             Ashland:  406-784-2344
Gardiner:  406-848-7375                                                                Beartooth:  406-446-2103
Yellowstone: 406-222-1892                                          Sioux:  605-797-4432
Bozeman:  406-522-2520
Hebgen Lake:  406-823-6961
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