Outdoor Burning
Outdoor open burning season in western Montana runs from March 1 through November 30. Outdoor burning in Ravalli County is administered through the County's Burn Permit Program
Winter burning permits for ‘essential’ outdoor burning may be available from December 1 through February 28 through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
The Burn Permit Program, now in its eighth year in Ravalli County, is a web-based solution that provides for issuing permits, activating permits, and tracking burn locations in Ravalli County in an efficient and cost-effective system.
For additional information, including obtaining a written request form, please contact (406) 444-3490.
*If you have had a past Ravalli County Burn Permit, please renew that permit from year to year*
Permits need to be activated each day you want to burn.
Do I Need a Burn Permit?
YES: Slash burning, vegetation disposal, agriculture
NO: Recreational Fires (Warming & Cooking Fires 48" in diameter and less)
Recreational Fires
Warming and cooking fires are allowed in Ravalli County if no county burning resolutions are in place. Recreational fires must measure less than 48 inches in diameter, be surrounded by a nonflammable structure and an extinguishing source must be available. Campfires cannot be left unattended and must be completely extinguished (MCA 76-13-123).
NO BURNING OF ANY TRASH!
Scan the code above for the burn permit website
Burn Permits are FREE in Ravalli County
Obtain or Renew a permit online at https://app.egovmt.com/burnpermit/.
Burn permits are required for open burning of debris, click here to review the Burn Permit Procedures.
Once you obtain a burn permit, you will have to activate the permit each day you want to burn. Activation can be completed on-line here or call 1-866-212-6318.
Any questions on the Burn Permit Program contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office at 406-375-4060 or your local Fire Chief.
Safety Tips
Check weather conditions before you burn.
Must have water, hand tools/equipment, and people to keep your fire under control.
If you do not activate your permit before burning, the 911 Center will be unaware that your fire is a controlled burn. The Fire Department and Law Enforcement may respond to your fire even though it is under control.
If the fire escapes your control, you may be cited and fined. You also may be responsible for the cost of suppression and any damage to someone else’s property.
Due to weather, air quality, or other conditions, burning may be closed on any day. If burning is closed you are prohibited from burning in Ravalli County. When burning is closed, the Burn Permit website and automated phone system will prevent you from activating your permit.
You can be cited for burning during restricted times or burning without an activated burn permit.
What are the possible fines?
If a person burns without having a valid permit or for violating rules of a permit, such as failing to activate it as required, violations can be charged under several laws.
MCA 7-33-2205 & 2206 deals with the fire season and burn violations. Violations under those codes are a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and/or 6 months in jail.
If a person burns in a manner that is unsafe, damages property belonging to another, or places anyone in danger of injury or death, they may be charged with Negligent Arson, MCA 45-6-102, which may consist of a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Misdemeanor charges can cost up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail. Felony charges can cost up to $50,000 and/or up to 10 years in prison. In all cases, restitution can be ordered separately from the criminal fine. Restitution may include but is not limited to paying damages to other property owners and paying for the firefighting resources.
Debris burning is the #1 source of human-caused wildfire in MT
Keep your piles small- Never burn on hot or windy days
