Fire Restrictions In Effect On Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

The late summer heat wave is creating fire concerns on one Montana Indian Reservation.

Due to hot and dry weather conditions on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, the Office of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal President, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Forestry Director, and Fire Management Officials, has issued an executive order placing certain restrictions on activities that will reduce the risk of igniting wildland fires.

Restrictions include no lighting of fireworks at anytime, no trash or agricultural burning, no issue of burn permits by BIA management, no smoking except in enclosed buildings, vehicles or in designated smoking areas, and no campfires allowed including recreation areas.

Ceremonial fires must be attended at all times with notification to BIA Fire Management or law enforcement.

All persons traveling on backroads are required to stay on established roads due to the risk of fire danger.

The executive order is in effect as of Thursday, September 1st until rescinded.

It is being issued due to the hot and dry weather conditions, safety, health and welfare of its people of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

Personnel exempts from the restrictions include Federal and Tribal employees, and local ranchers while in the performance of their official duties.

BIA Law Enforcement Officers are authorized to enforce the restrictions to the fullest extent of the law.

Non-Indians will be detained by BIA Law Enforcement Authorities, until turned over to the appropriate county, state or federal law enforcement officials.

Violators of the executive order will be charged with arson.