Open burn season underway for Mineral County

MINERAL COUNTY - It’s that time of year again, where the snow is melting and the temperatures are rising.  

For Mineral County open burning season is from March 1st through April 30th, and you are NOT required to have a burn permit.  

Starting May 1st people wanting to burn yard debris WILL be required to have a burn permit, which is free from the Superior Ranger Station.  Permits can be acquired by calling the burn permit hotline at 406-822-3933 or 406-822-4233 to reach the front desk.  

As always, you can drop by and pick one up in person.  You are also required to call the Airshed Hotline to check air quality and only burn on days with no air quality restrictions.  The number is 1-800-225-6779 or check the web site at www.smokemu.org.  Airshed 3A is South and East of Superior and Airshed 2 is North and West of Superior. 

State Law prohibits the burning of garbage, treated wood, dead animals, tires, oil or any other toxic material.  

Although burning cardboard is not illegal, please take extra caution when burning cardboard material.  Ash from cardboard can hold hot embers that can very easily float out of your burn pile and start spot fires. 

Some helpful tips are: 

- remember to check current and future weather forecasts

- don’t burn on a windy day

- have water and hand tools such as a shovel available

- always try to have help with your burning.  

Most burns initially escape control due to unexpected shifts and/or increases in wind.  Also make sure that your burn is completely out before leaving it unattended.  Please don’t hesitate to call 911 for burns that escape your control.