Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect for Northwest Montana even after rain fell on the area earlier this week.

Fire danger remains very high and temperatures are expected to return to above normal by early next week prompting interagency fire managers to keep the restrictions in place.

The significant widespread rainfall has temporarily reduced the severity of the fire season, but fire risk is expected to increase once again and persist for several more weeks, officials said.

Restrictions are in place for Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. The restrictions also affect Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks jurisdictions within the counties, as well as the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park.

Resources are also committed to several large wildfires in the region.

Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all campfires. Smoking is not allowed except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of debris. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails also is prohibited.

Other acts are prohibited between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m., including using explosives, welding and using a torch with an open flame.

Northwest Montana continues to experience drought conditions that contribute to extremely dry forest fuels. Wildfire managers said restrictions are intended to minimize human ignition sources.

Interagency fire managers next week will make recommendations on whether to downgrade or remain under stage 2.

CREWS CONTINUE working the River Road East Fire near Paradise where fire containment has increased to 5% around the town on both sides of the Clark Fork River.

Significant progress was made on the northwest flank of the fire as crews constructed handline through steep, broken terrain from the active fire edge above River Road East to the bluffs along the river. Heavy equipment continued to build line between Pat’s Knob Road and the fire perimeter. Work is expected to continue in the area as crews remove vegetation that would carry fire.

On the east side, heavy equipment and hotshot crews have been working to limit the spread of the fire.

The cause of the fire is listed as unknown.

Crews expected on Thursday to take advantage of slower fire growth following rain and increased humidity earlier in the week by building containment line around much of the fire perimeter. Additional crews, engines, heavy equipment and helicopters have been assigned to the fire and are expected to cover more of the complex and remote terrain where the fire is burning.

Officials warn that as the weather returns to warmer and dry conditions increased fire activity and fire spread is likely as fuels continue to dry out. Smoke will be visible in more areas.

Because of progress, the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday opened the McLaughlin Creek Road to residents. The area is still under a pre-evacuation status.

The Montana Red Cross opened a shelter for those affected by the wildfire at the Church on the Move, 300 Clayton St., Plains.

A public meeting on the wildfire response is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the gymnasium of the Plains High School, 412 Rittenour St., Plains.

In the Flathead, crews on the East Fork Fire took advantage on Wednesday of the weather and pause in fire activity to put containment lines as close to the fire as possible. The lightning-caused fire near Olney remains at 5% contained and is 4,614 acres.

Officials expected to use a drone, as well as helicopters, to conduct flight operations to assist firefighters in identifying priority areas and containment line possibilities.

While rain saturated soils in new growth areas, significant rainfall did not reach the ground in old growth areas. Firefighters will be monitoring changing conditions and watching for increasing fire activity as the vegetation dries and the weather warms this week, officials said.

Some communities in the area remain on pre-evacuation warning.

The roughly 3,651-acre Ridge Fire near Hungry Horse Reservoir remains listed as 76% contained. The nearby Doris Point Fire is 10% contained and at 1,534 acres. The 7,697-acre Tin Soldier fire remains 0% contained.