Bitterroot Forest Opens Temporary Firewood Areas

The Bitterroot National Forest has opened some temporary firewood areas for those people wanting to cut personal use firewood. The areas are on forest roads in all Bitterroot Forest districts and can be seen on maps at any district office or on the forest's website. The maps are Bitteroot North and Bitterroot South. The areas will be open until October 16 unless fire danger causes restrictions, according to Tod McKay, public affairs officer.

The free firewood permits (up to 12 cords of wood) are available at any Bitterroot National Forest Office. The areas opened are along Silverthorne Loop, Smith Creek and Bear Creek Roads on the Stevensville Ranger District, Andrews Creek, Mink Creek Saddle, Meadow Creek and Swift Echo Roads on the Darby/Sula Ranger District and Castle Creek and Devil Creek roads in the West Fork District. Woodcutters must have a spark arrester on their chainsaw and carry a shove, bucket and fire extinguisher at all times, McKay said. Use wide shoulders on the road for parking and there is no cutting in developed areas or near streams.