Fire emergency rule proposed for water closures

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Mar 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM MDT

HELENA - Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is proposing to allow state officials to ban recreation on designated waterways in a fire emergency.

The new rule would allow the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to close public waters to boating, floating, swimming, fishing and other uses when firefighting on or near the water creates a danger to public health and safety.

The commission believes a temporary emergency closure would help ensure public safety as firefighting crews with aircraft scoop water with large buckets, while hovering over the surface of a river or lake. Officials say the new rule is also necessary to prevent delays in firefighting efforts.

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