As Montana continues to deal with hot temperatures and extremely dry conditions, the City of Missoula is tightening fire restrictions. Introduction of Stage 2 Fire RestrictionsBeginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 7, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions take effect on City of Missoula conservation lands and open spaces. The decision was made jointly by Missoula Fire Chief Lonnie Rash and Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis, who agreed with other local fire officials that worsening conditions justify the additional restrictions. "With the recent vegetative fire starts in and around the Missoula Valley, coupled with the regional weather patterns, the move to Stage 2 restrictions is warranted," Rash said in a statement. Stage 2 restrictions include several prohibitions designed to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.