Restrictions on campfires and open burning across much of Montana could last indefinitely after state authorities extended the officially-designated fire season.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said Wednesday’s extension was prompted by persistent warm, dry weather that raises the risk of new fires. The season had been scheduled to end Sunday.
Most of the state’s 56 counties have some type of restrictions on lighting campfires, open burning or industrial operations that could spark a new blaze.
Two recent fires have been blamed on human causes: the 6-square-mile Wilson Fire south of Roundup and the 5-square-mile Eagle Creek Fire southeast of Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.
State forester Bob Harrington says restrictions will be lifted once a significant change in the weather reduces the risk.