Sanders County Emergency Services are now moving to stage two fire restrictions for the area. The Sanders County Commissioners has now issued the following.

Due to the extreme weather and high fire dangers, restrictions will go into effect this Thursday, July 27th until further notice.

Residents in Sanders County should adhere to the following guidelines:

PROHIBITED ACTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

- NO building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire.

- NO smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle of 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.

- The following acts are prohibited between the hours of 1:00pm - 1:00am

A. Operating any internal combustion engine

B. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flames

C. Using an explosive; A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following the cessation of all activities identified in #3 above

- Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

STAGE II EXEMPTIONS

- Persons with written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

- Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

- Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

- Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.

- Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions.

- Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

- All land within a city boundary is exempted.

- Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Should you find yourself in violation of any of the above, you could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisoned up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures.

You can also be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.

Should you require further information you can contact the Sanders County Emergency Services.

- Note: The full North West of Montana will be moving into Stage II restrictions along with Sanders County.