The Kootenai National Forest at :01 a.m. Friday raised fire restrictions across the forest to Stage II from Stage I as hot and dry conditions persisted with “extreme” fire danger.

All other nearby participating agencies — federal, state, county and private industry — had already gone to Stage II Restrictions until further notice.

Under Stage II Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited:

--Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG (i.e. propane) fuels, that can be turned on and off, may be used anywhere on National Forest System lands during Stage II Fire Restrictions providing the area is barren and cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within three feet of the device.

--Smoking exception: 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 barren or cleared of all flammable material.

--The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.: operating an internal combustion engine; welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame; using an explosive.

A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above.

For current fire restrictions please visit www.firerestrictions.us.