Montana fire restrictions explained: Stage 1, Stage 2 and closures

What are fire restrictions in Montana?

Fire restrictions are temporary orders that prohibit specific activities likely to start a wildfire when fire danger is high. They come in two standard stages, Stage 1 and Stage 2, with area closures as a further step. The definitions used here are the ones Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks publishes, and FWP points readers to mtfireinfo.org for current restrictions by county. An individual order can add or adjust exemptions (FWP's own list ends with "other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe"), so always read the order for your area.

Restrictions are separate from the everyday rules about burn permits, and separate from the burn closures counties call when burning season ends. They can all be in effect at once, which is why it helps to understand each. Seasonal context is in western Montana's fire season, month by month, part of our Montana Wildfire & Defensible Space Guide.

What does Stage 1 fire restriction prohibit?

Under the Stage 1 definition, two things are prohibited until further notice. First, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, unless an exemption applies. Second, 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 cleared of all flammable material.

The Stage 1 exemptions are: people with a written permit that specifically authorizes the act; devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG that can be turned on and off, used only in an area cleared of overhead and surrounding flammable material within 3 feet; activities in areas where they are specifically authorized by written posted notice; federal, state or local officers and organized rescue or firefighting forces on official duty; and all land within a city boundary. FWP adds that campfires are allowed in established steel fire grates at all state parks and some fishing access sites under Stage 1.

What does Stage 2 fire restriction prohibit?

Stage 2 keeps the Stage 1 prohibitions, with no campfire exemption for grates, and adds more. From 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., it prohibits operating any internal combustion engine; welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame; and using an explosive. It also prohibits operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails at any hour. After any of the time-limited activities stops, a foot patrol of the work area is required. FWP's Stage 2 text says one hour, while the summary chart on the same page says two hours, so follow the wording of the order in effect for your area.

Stage 2 exemptions repeat the Stage 1 list (written permits, LPG devices that can be turned off, posted areas, officials on duty, land within a city boundary) and add operating generators with an approved spark arresting device inside an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area cleared of flammable material within three feet, driving on designated roads and trails, and emergency repair of public utilities and railroads under conditions attached to the order.

What is a fire closure?

A closure goes beyond Stage 2 and restricts access to an area itself. FWP's chart shows closure terms as "to be defined if needed by wildland fire agency administrators". The guidelines say the Geographic Agency Administrators within the Northern Rockies Geographic Area review evaluation guidelines and set threshold levels for closures, with examples such as potential loss of life from explosive fire conditions, potential for extreme or blowup fire behavior, and Stage 2 restrictions failing to reduce human-caused fires. Closures carry their own standard exemptions.

On private land outside town, Montana law gives county commissioners a related tool. Under MCA 7-33-2212, a board of county commissioners may designate high fire hazard areas on private land and land not under municipal, state or federal jurisdiction, and may require people to cease operations or activities, or adjust working hours to less critical periods of the day. If an emergency or disaster is declared, the board's presiding officer may control entry to the area, though residents, people conducting official business and workers whose employment does not present a fire hazard must be allowed in and out unless there is a significant risk to health or safety.

Who decides when fire restrictions start?

Restrictions are issued by the agencies with jurisdiction over the land, which is why one valley can have federal, state, county and city land under orders from different offices. In practice those agencies usually announce together. On August 6, 2026, for example, the Missoula Current, carrying a KPAX report, said officials were implementing Stage 2 restrictions for Missoula and Ravalli counties that also covered the City of Missoula and state and federal land, with campfires and burning banned even on private property. Cities are exempt from the standard stage definitions unless they join an order, and they have rules of their own; Missoula bans recreational fires in city limits year-round, according to Missoula County Public Health.

The practical answer for homeowners: check the current status for your county before you light anything or start a power tool in dry conditions, and look again after weather changes. A Red Flag Warning is a separate signal. The National Weather Service issues one, in conjunction with land management agencies, for an ongoing or imminent critical fire weather pattern; a Fire Weather Watch means those conditions are possible but not yet imminent.

Do fire restrictions apply on my own property?

Yes, if your property is in a restricted area and outside a city boundary. The standard exemption is for land within a city boundary, not for private land generally, and the August 2026 orders for Missoula and Ravalli counties explicitly reached private property. The same goes for wildfire season permits: under MCA 76-13-121, during the wildfire season, which MCA 76-13-102 defines as May 1 through September 30, a person may not set a slash, land-clearing, debris-burning or open fire without an official written permit from the recognized fire protection agency for that area.

That statute has a narrow exception. If no restrictions are in place, a permit is not needed for recreational fires measuring less than 48 inches in diameter, surrounded by a nonflammable area or structure, with a suitable way to extinguish them available. Once restrictions prohibit recreational fires, that exception ends. This is general information, not legal advice; for the bigger picture of what Montana law does and does not require of homeowners, see Montana wildfire laws for homeowners.

Can I use a propane fire pit or gas grill under Stage 1 or Stage 2?

Under both standard definitions, a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG that can be turned on and off is exempt, as long as it is used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within 3 feet. Wood and charcoal are not covered by that exemption. Before relying on it, read the actual order for your county or forest, since agencies can write their own exemptions, and think about what is overhead: a propane fire table under a pine canopy or next to a dry juniper is still a bad idea. Our guides on propane tank clearance and patios and hardscape firebreaks cover safe placement.

Can I run a chainsaw or mower during Stage 2?

Under the standard Stage 2 definition, operating any internal combustion engine is prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., which covers chainsaws, gas mowers, trimmers and many other tools, followed by a foot patrol of the work area. Morning work is allowed under the standard wording, but check your order: county commissioners in high fire hazard areas can require people to stop activities entirely or adjust hours. Dry grass deserves care in any case; see cheatgrass and dry grass on Montana properties.

For professional crews, this is why most fuel reduction is better scheduled outside peak summer. Thinning, limbing and chipping in spring, fall or winter avoids restriction hours and lets slash be burned legally in the right season. We explain the timing in why fall and winter are the best time for fuel reduction.

What are the penalties for violating fire restrictions in Montana?

FWP's definitions page states that violating restrictions and closures can bring a fine, with a higher maximum for organizations than individuals, and imprisonment of up to six months. It also warns that anyone who starts a fire can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages. That liability is a strong reason to check the status before lighting anything.

How do restrictions affect burning slash and yard debris?

Open burning of piles is controlled by burn permits and county burn seasons rather than by the Stage definitions, and permits have to be activated on the day you burn. Ravalli County requires daily activation online or by phone, and Missoula County Public Health says outdoor burning typically closes in midsummer when fire danger reaches moderate. Plan pile burning for spring, fall or winter; see burning slash piles safely and legally.

What to do before restrictions arrive

Restriction season is the wrong time to start fuel reduction. The best use of it is maintenance: keeping roofs and gutters clear, watering and mowing early in the day where allowed, and keeping the first five feet around the house clean. The heavier work, thinning, limbing, ladder-fuel removal and slash disposal, belongs earlier in the year. Our fire mitigation service is scheduled around exactly those windows, and the summer defensible space maintenance guide covers what to keep up during fire season.

Call HJ Property Care & Tree Service at (406) 215-7319 or request a free estimate. We walk the property with you, starting at the house and working outward, and an ISA Certified Arborist plans the tree work.

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