Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will ban campfires and restrict smoking and other activities at its fishing access sites and wildlife management area in Wheatland County starting immediately because of wildfire danger.

FWP will follow the lead of the Wheatland County commissioners and enter Stage 1 fire restrictions. FWP properties in Wheatland County include Deadman’s Basin, Martinsdale Reservoir, Selkirk and Harlowton fishing access sites as well at the Haymaker wildlife management area.

Stage 1 restrictions ban campfires except where specifically exempted, and allow smoking only in vehicles and areas three feet in diameter that are cleared of flammable materials. FWP has no exemptions for campfires in fishing access sites and wildlife management areas in south central Montana. People still may cook on an LP gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off.

The restrictions are in response to dry, warm weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires. They will be in effect until further notice.