Commissioners Sign Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

On Tuesday, July 23, the Phillips County Commissioners stated that at their meeting on Monday, July 29, they would be signing a Resolution imposing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the county. The action was voted on and placed into action at the meeting on the 29th. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include the following provisions, as per the pamphlet provided to the PCN:

STAGE 1 Fire Restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger.

PROHIBITIONS:

1.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 CFR 261.52 (a) This includes charcoal barbecues and grills.

EXCEPT: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreational sites and the use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclose (sheepherder type) stove with a 1/4-inch spark arrester type screen is permitted.

2.Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation side, or while stopped in an area at least three feet of diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52 (b).

3.Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52(h).

4.Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher. 36 CFR 261.52(i).

5.Using an explosive 36 CFR 261.52(b).

EXEMPTIONS:

1.Persons with a valid Forest Service permit or contract specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission

may be eligible for an exemption from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4 and #5. Any exemption must be applied for in writing, including an appropriate mitigation plan and must be authorized in writing by the appropriate Forest Service official.

Please use EXTREME CAUTION. There were three fire calls to the Malta Volunteer Fire Department last Thursday. There was also a fire in Blaine County that burned 3,568 acres before being contained and extinguished.

Check your safety chains when pulling a camper or stock trailer; even those are enough to spark a fire.

And, if you’re traveling in certain areas, that fire can spread extremely fast.

One can never be too cautious with farm and ranch equipment. The song, “It Only Takes a Spark to Get a Fire Going” is so true. Quite often you can be concentrating on watching rocks on the ground to avoid putting through or into your combine header or baler, and do not see that you are leaving a trail or sparked fires behind you. In the extreme dry weather we are experiencing, the conditions are right for a quick and hot flame, which can be aided it devastation by the winds.

So, please pack a fire extinguisher! You may not need it, but you might come upon someone who does. If you have room, pack a shovel. Be prepared and hopefully you’ll just need to recharge the extinguisher periodically. If luck is on your side, the shovel will still sparkle like brand new.