Montana City VFD
1192 Highway 282
Montana City, MT 59634
(406) 442-9828
Emergency Dial 911






Open Burning

Recreational Fires

A permit is not needed for recreational fires measuring less than 48" in diameter that are surrounded by a nonflammable structures and for which a suitable source of extinguishing the fire is available. The same cautions apply to recreational fires as open burning; use cautions in hot/windy conditions, attend to your fire, and you are responsible for any damage caused if it gets away from you.

General Information

Slash-burning fires, land-clearing fires, debris-burning fires, or open fires are allowed WITH A PERMIT. 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 activating their permit 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. A Burn permit costs $6 and can be used throughout 1 calendar year in accordance with burning and public health regulation. From December 1 to March 1, you must obtain an approved Montana Wintertime Open Burning Request from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prior to burning. In addition, you must also have permission from DEQ's Meteorologist to burn each day. Failure to do so could impact the county's air quality and may result in disciplinary actions.

Obtaining a Permit

Jefferson County has adopted an electronic burn permit system. Permits are can be purchased at https://app.egovmt.com/burnpermit. You only need to purchase one permit for the entire year. The permit can be activated multiple times and at multiple burn sites. Permits may also be purchased at the following locations:
 
  • Boulder: Sheriff's Office


    • When Burning

     
  • Activate your permit at app.egovmt.com/burnpermit.
  • 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!


    • Fall Air Quality Restrictions

    The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) may prohibit burning 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

    From December 1 to March 1, you must obtain an approved Montana Wintertime Open Burning Request from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prior to burning. In addition, you must also have permission from DEQ's Meteorologist to burn each day. Failure to do so could impact the county's air quality and may result in disciplinary actions.

    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.