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Missoula County adopts Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Aug. 7 amid drying fuels
Summary
Commissioners adopted a resolution Aug. 6 enacting Stage 2 fire restrictions (prohibiting campfires, some off-road vehicle use, welding and other ignition-risk activities) to align with nearby national forest and state land restrictions; the county set the effective time for 00:01 on Aug. 7 and classified violations as misdemeanors.
Missoula County commissioners adopted a resolution Aug. 6 putting Stage 2 fire restrictions into effect at 1 minute after midnight on Aug. 7, aligning the county with neighboring national forest and state land actions as conditions dry.
"We have before you a request to adopt a resolution, enacting stage 2 fire restrictions," Chris Lounsbury, filling in for the Office of Emergency Management director, told the board and explained that Stage 2 restricts campfires and lit materials, limits smoking to enclosed vehicles and buildings, prohibits motorized vehicle operation off designated roads and requires post‑work patrols after activities such as welding. He noted violation of Stage 2 restrictions is a misdemeanor.
Commissioners clarified restricted hours in the draft (one presentation line stated restricted hours run from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.) and then voted to adopt the resolution. The county said partners including the national forest and state lands were heading in the same direction, and staff recommended making the county rule effective at the same time as those partners.
