News Releases
For Immediate Release - August 30, 2000
Contact:
Anastasia Burton
Press Secretary
(406) 444-5523
(HELENA) Governor Marc Racicot announced today that Level 5 restrictions in the Southwest, Northwest, and Central zones will be suspended at noon, Tuesday, September 5, 2000. These restrictions were in place due to dangerous fire conditions.
"I am pleased that with the presence of additional firefighting capabilities, cooler weather, some precipitation, and enhanced moisture level content we are able to suspend the executive orders previously issued concerning land closures," Governor Racicot said. He added, "A major factor in making these decisions is the availability of resources to effectively respond to any new fire starts."
Even though the Level 5 closures have been suspended, other appropriate restrictions will remain in effect. Level 4 restrictions will remain in effect for the Central Zone as well as the Eastern Zone. Level 3 restrictions will be in place for the Northwest and Southwest zones. Additional information on Level 3 and 4 restrictions are below. Executive Order #25 is attached to this release.
The public should be aware that local land management agencies may close certain areas due to the presence of fire, or may grant exemptions for certain uses in local areas.
Control of smoking: Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building; at an improved place of habitation; at a developed, designated recreation site or campground; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material.
Control of Woods Operations: Woods operations: Using chainsaws or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting, road building, and other high fire risk operations between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. local time. Exceptions are helicopter yarding and earth moving on areas of cleared and bare soil. Sawing incidental to loading operations on cleared landings is not necessarily restricted.
Operating in Slash or Dead Material: Using chainsaws or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting or any other operation within areas having a significant accumulation of dead or down slash or timber.
Blasting and Welding: Welding, blasting (except seismic operations confined by ten or more feet of soil, sand or cuttings), and other activities with a high potential for causing forest fires.
Patrolperson: A patrol is required for a period of two hours after woods operations including felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting, road building, blasting, welding and other high fire risk operations cease. A patrol is also required for one hour following the cessation of all work activity. The patrolperson's responsibilities include checking for compliance with required fire precautions.
Control of Off Road Vehicle Use: Possessing or using motorized vehicles such as, but not limited to cars, trucks, trail bikes, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles off of paved, gravel, or dirt roads free of vegetation except for persons engaged in a trade, business or occupation in the area.
Control of Woods Operations: Woods Operations: Using chainsaws or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding/wood cutting, road building, and other high fire risk operations. Exceptions are: helicopter yarding and earth moving on areas of cleared and bare soil. Sawing incidental to loading operations on cleared landings is not necessarily restricted.
Blasting and Welding: Same as Level III.
Patrolperson: A patrol is required for one hour following the cessation of all work activity. The patrolperson's responsibilities include checking for compliance with required fire precautions.
Control of Off Road Vehicle Use: Possessing or using motorized vehicles such as, but not limited to cars, trucks, trail bikes, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles off of paved, gravel, or dirt roads free of vegetation.
Former Governor Racicot's Page
Press Releases