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HAMILTON- Ravalli County imposes a burn ban at midnight tonight, shutting down everything except for attended campfires and smoking in vehicles.

County commissioners approved the resolution calling for the burning restrictions Tuesday afternoon, even as red flag warnings were posted for a second day in the Bitterroot.

Under the resolution, anyone starting a debris-burning fire, land-clearing fire, slash burn, forest fire or any open fire within the county faces a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

The new rules do allow for a pair of exemptions. Attended campfires will still be allowed on cleared or bare ground or established fire pits. Smoking will only be allowed in vehicles or buildings, or "developed recreation sites" or while stopped on bare ground.

Fireworks are also banned.

The burn restrictions will remain in force until conditions return with wetter weather.