Stage 1 restrictions in effect until further notice
BILLINGS – Campfires will be banned at most Fish, Wildlife and Parks properties in Yellowstone, Carbon and Stillwater counties starting this week because of fire danger.
FWP followed the lead of Yellowstone, Carbon and Stillwater county commissioners, who voted this week to enter Stage I fire restrictions countywide.
Affected fishing access sites in Yellowstone County include Broadview Pond at Broadview and – along the Yellowstone River – Duck Creek, South Hills, East Bridge, Voyagers Rest, Gritty Stone, Bundy Bridge, Captain Clark and Manuel Lisa. The ban also includes Lake Elmo and Pictograph Cave state parks.
In Stillwater County, the restricted fishing access sites on the Yellowstone River include Buffalo Mirage, Indian Fort and Holmgren Ranch. Along the Stillwater River, the restrictions affect fishing access sites at Absaroka, Buffalo Jump, Castle Rock, Cliff Swallow, Fireman’s Point, Homestead Isle, Jeffrey’s Landing, Moraine, Swinging Bridge and Whitebird. The Rosebud Isle fishing access site at Nye also is restricted.
In Carbon County, the restrictions apply to Cooney State Park as well as fishing access sites at Beaver Lodge, Bluewater Springs, Bridger, Bridger Bend, Bull Springs, Clarks Fork Yellowstone, Horse Thief Station, Water Birch and Weymiller.
Open fires are not allowed year-around at the Yellowstone River Wildlife Management Area near Pompeys Pillar and Silver Run Wildlife Management Area south of Red Lodge.
Stage 1 restrictions ban campfires except where specifically exempted and allow smoking only in vehicles and areas three feet in diameter that are cleared of flammable materials. FWP has no exemptions for campfires or charcoal grills in fishing access sites and wildlife management areas in south central Montana. People still may cook on an LP gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.
The restrictions are in response to dry, warm weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires. They will be in effect until further notice.
-FWP-
