Date: August 6, 2026
Contact: Olivia Anderson, Missoula County, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and member of Missoula 
County Fire Protection Association oanderson@missoulacounty.us / (406) 880-8090

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Take Effect Across Missoula County Fire Danger Remains VERY HIGH

Missoula, MT – Due to very high fire danger, rapidly changing conditions, and firefighting resource 
availability, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect across multiple land jurisdictions in 
the Missoula County area beginning Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The restrictions are being implemented in coordination with federal, state, county, and local fire 
partners through the Missoula County Fire Protection Association. Affected lands include Lolo 
National Forest, Missoula County, Montana DNRC, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, and Montana Fish, 
Wildlife and Parks. Fire danger remains at VERY HIGH, although predicted hot and dry conditions 
could elevate the risk of wildfire quickly.
“Fire restrictions are being implemented across the area to reduce the risk of new human-caused 
wildfires,” said Kirk Paulsen, Interim Fire Chief, MRFD. “Fire danger is VERY HIGH, fuels are dry, 
and conditions can change quickly this time of year. At the same time, firefighting resources are 
already committed to incidents across the region and nation, which may limit the number of 
resources immediately available for a new start. Stage 2 restrictions are a proactive step to help 
prevent new fires, protect communities and firefighters, and keep our local resources available for 
the incidents that need them most. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding during 
these dangerous
conditions”.
Fire officials urge residents and visitors to use extreme caution with anything that can create 
heat or sparks. Even one preventable wildfire can quickly threaten homes, strain limited 
firefighting resources, and put responders and the public at risk. Restrictions vary by 
jurisdiction. The public is encouraged to review the specific restriction orders for the lands they 
plan to visit or work on. Visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more information about fire restrictions 
across Montana.
Fire managers would also like to remind City of Missoula residents that per Missoula Municipal Code 
8.60, all open fires including campfires and wood fueled fire pits are prohibited throughout the 
year within City limits. Barbeques and use of LPG stoves are still allowed under Stage 2 
restrictions, as long as they are solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG and can be turned on and 
off. Items not solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG are not allowed during Stage 2 
restrictions.
Please visit https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/254/Wildfire-Prevention for more information. Know 
before you go by visiting www.MCFPA.org for further local information and www.MTFireInfo.org for 
information on fire conditions and restrictions in place throughout the state.