With the start of March, Jefferson County’s winter burning season gave way to the annual open burn season that lasts until the end of November, according to the county’s Disaster and Emergency Services department.
Though air quality restrictions are relaxed during this period, burn permits are required for fires over 48” in size and can be bought and activated online at app.mt.gov/burnpermit/. Permits must be activated every day burning is planned, and permittees are responsible for any fire that is ignited.
The DES department provided the following tips for burning debris:
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the burn and the days that follow. If high winds are predicted, delay burning for calmer days. “Even if you only plan to burn for one day, if high winds are predicted on subsequent days, you should delay your burn,” a news release states.
- Check online before burning to confirm that burning is still open, as each fire department in the county can open and close debris burning in its district if predicted weather conditions become extreme.
- Create a zone clear of combustibles around the burn location that extends four times the anticipated flame height.
- Have available suitable fire extinguishing capability.
- Never leave the fire unattended and make sure the burn is cold to the touch before leaving the area.
For more information call the Jefferson County Fire Warden at 406-225-4035.
