The end of February marks the end of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) winter debris burning restrictions period in Jefferson County. Debris burning (any fire over 48” in size) still requires the purchase of a county burn permit, and burners must activate their permits each day of their burn. Permits are available online at https://app.egovmt.com/burnpermit/ or in person at the Sheriff’s Office in Boulder.
Those wishing to conduct debris burning need to be aware of their responsibilities before they light their fires. Weather conditions should be reviewed and burning avoided if wind is predicted either on the day of planned ignition or for the days that follow. Additionally, the area around a burn must be cleared of flammable material, a suitable way of extinguishing the fire must be present, and burns must never be left unattended.
Weather and fuel conditions are monitored daily by the Jefferson County Fire Warden and area Fire Chiefs. Debris burning may be temporarily closed if conditions are unfavorable for burning. Debris burning will close for the season on July 1st and won’t re-open until conditions are favorable in the fall. Contact the Jefferson County Fire Warden at 406-225-4035 with any questions.
Doug Dodge is Jefferson County’s fire warden and disaster and emergency services coordinator. Contact him at ddodge@jeffersoncounty-mt.gov.
