The Daily Inter Lake

Fire restrictions have been lifted in Northwest Montana because of the recent cool and wet weather.

The restrictions, which mainly prohibit open campfires outside developed campgrounds, were lifted as of noon Thursday. That decision was made Thursday morning by federal, state and county fire officials.

The restrictions were in place for all forested lands in Flathead and Lincoln counties, plus a portion of Lake County outside of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai tribal lands. They applied to state lands, the Flathead and Kootenai national forests, Glacier National Park and portions of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex administered by the Flathead.

Although the restrictions have been lifted, fire officials are urging the public to completely extinguish campfires before leaving them.

Fire conditions will continue to be monitored, and if necessary, restrictions may be reinstated.