Single Publication

Stage II Fire Restriction Order

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50, the following acts are
prohibited on all National Forest System lands administered by the Lolo National
Forest in Granite, Missoula, Mineral, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties in Montana.
Described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this order,
hereinafter referred to as the “Described Area”:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. 36 CFR
§ 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except 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
closed of all flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR
§ 261.52(i).
4. Operating an Internal Combustion Engine. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2)]. If such authorization provides for operation of an Internal Combustion Engine or welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, such acts are prohibited from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day. Outside of these hours, a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of these activities.

2.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 three feet of the device.
3.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.
4.Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails, unless such road or trail is otherwise closed or restricted.
5.Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.
6.Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA
All National Forest System lands administered by the Lolo National Forest in Granite, Missoula, Mineral, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties in Montana, except for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, including the Scapegoat Wilderness, which are not included in or affected by this order.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety by reducing the probability of human-caused ignitions of wildfire during times of dry fuel conditions.

IMPLEMENTATION
1.This Order shall be in effect on July 19th, 2024 at 00:01 hours (12:01 am) and shall remain in effect until December 1, 2024, or until rescinded, whichever comes first.
2.A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices
3.Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II,Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions. 4.A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5.Contact the Missoula Ranger District in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3814, and Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3750, for more information about this Order.