Montana City VFD
PMB 2094
1 Jackson Creek Rd. Montana City, MT 59634
(406) 442-9828
Emergency Dial 911



Website hosted by liQuidprint

Open Burning

General Information

Open Burning in Jefferson County is allowed WITH A PERMIT between March 1st and November 30th. The purpose of the permit is so dispatchers and fire officials might know that your fire is a "controlled burn" and not a wildfire. Permit holders are still required to follow SPECIFIC GUIDELINES when burning - including notifying the Jefferson County Sheriff office in Boulder when the burn will occur as well as taking necessary safety measures to contain the burn. Burning may be closed during periods of hot and dry weather.

Obtaining a Permit

Permits are free and are valid for the entire burning season. Permits may be obtained at the following locations:
 
  • Montana City: Montana City Store
  • Boulder: Sheriff's Office
  • Clancy: Marks-Miller Post and Pole
  • Elk Park: Home of Joe Sologub
  • Whitehall: Home of Gail Giono
  • Whitehall: Whitehall City Offices
  • Whitehall: Whitehall Ranger District Office


    • When Burning

     
  • Call the Sheriff's Office before you burn at 225-4075
  • Have a sufficient supply of water, hand tools and help to control your fire.
  • Attend to your fire. You are responsible for damages caused by an out-of-control burn.
  • Do not burn during high winds. The best time to burn is in the morning when fuels are still damp and it is not too hot or windy. Pay attention to the weather forecast.
  • Use common sense and exercise extreme caution when burning.
  • If you have a fire emergency call 911 for help immediately!
  • Call the Sheriff's Office at 225-4075 when your burn is complete.


    • Fall Air Quality Restrictions

    The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) may prohibit open in September, October, and November. Before burning in these months you are required to call the ventilation hotline at 1-800-225-6779. Listen for restrictions in Airshed 6.

    Prohibited Materials

    The following common materials are PROHIBITED to be burned AT ANY TIME in accordance with ARM 17.8.604:
     
  • Food wastes
  • Styrofoam and other plastics
  • Treated lumber and timbers
  • Wood and wood byproducts that have been coated, painted, stained, treated, or contaminated by a foreign material
  • Plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), and particleboard
  • Poultry litter and animal droppings
  • Dead animals or dead animal parts
  • Tires and rubber material
  • Asphalt shingles and tar paper
  • Oil or petroleum products
  • Wastes generating noxious odors
  • Hazardous or pathogenic waste
  • Chemicals or paint
  • Other items listed in ARM 17.8.604


    • Winter Burning Closed

    Open burning is prohibited during the months of December, January, and February under state air quality laws.

    Montana Burning Laws

     
  • 7.33.2205 - Establishment of fire season - permit requirements - reimbursement of costs
  • 7.33.2206 - Violations


    • More Information

    For additional information or to file an open burning complaint please contact Larry Alheim (406) 444-2411.