FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2022 Contact: Jim Wardensky

406-751-8130

Fall Open Burning Call before You Burn

Fall open burning season begins October 1 and runs through November 30; no burning permit is
required, but you must comply with air quality regulations. Call the Ventilation Hotline before burning daily
for restrictions at 751-8144 or check the webpage flatheadhealth.org prior to burning. The hotline is
updated daily by 5:00PM for the following weekday and will be updated by 5:00 PM Friday for the
weekend. Fire managers recommend taking extra care while burning this fall as persistent drought has
left forest fuels extremely dry and the potential for active fire behavior still exists.

Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, all manmade materials, treated materials, wood, and
wood by-product trade wastes produced by any business, trade, industry, or demolition project.
Construction debris is considered a trade waste. Campfires are allowed. Campfire is defined as a fire set
for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes which meets the following criteria: not more than four feet
in diameter or height; void of overhanging branches; all combustible material is cleared at least one and
one-half times the diameter of the fire; or a barbecue in a noncombustible container.

• Call the Ventilation Hotline at 751-8144 before burning or check the webpage flatheadhealth.org
before burning.
• Burn only clean, dry materials. Do not let fires smolder.
• The Flathead County Landfill offers an alternative to burning, free to homeowners within the
county.
• Leaves and grass clippings should not be burned. Composting or landfilling these items is
recommended.
• Keep burn piles away from other combustible materials and fire extinguishing equipment nearby
at all times.
• Never allow piles to become larger than manageable. Weather conditions may change quickly.
• Burning is prohibited within the Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls city limits.

Important Dates to Remember

December 1 to February 29
March 1 to April 30
May 1 to June 30
July 1 to September 30
October 1 to November 30
No open burning (Season Closed)
Open burning. No burning permit required. Air Quality
compliance required.
Burning permit required. Air Quality compliance required.
No burning in Flathead County and some Lake County RFD's.
Open burning. No burning permit required. Air Quality
compliance required.

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