Fall open burn season begins Oct. 1

Clark Fork Valley Press

Fall open burning season begins Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Permits are not required for burning conducted during this time period.

Before you burn, please call the “Montana Smoke Program Ventilation Hotline” at 1-800-225-6779 to hear if there are any restrictions on burning due to smoke dispersion issues or air quality issues.

Authorities remind people once they strike a match they are responsible for making sure the debris burn doesn’t escape your control.

Some safety factors to consider when burning:

• Burn in small piles so the fire will be hot but manageable;

• Wait until it rains or snows;

• Wet the area down around the piles;

• Clear the area around the pile of dry flammable material and have bare soil within several feet;

• Build the piles in openings away from overhead branches, wires, & structures;

• Keep water and tools close by, be ready in case of unexpected changes in the fire;

• Check the weather forecast for unexpected changes;

• Don’t burn when windy;

• Check your fire to be sure that it is dead out.

• Burn only natural vegetation and woody materials. State law prohibits the burning of animal droppings, garbage, old mattresses, stained or painted wood, dead animals, tires, oil, or any other toxic material.

Conditions for burning this time of year should be favorable due to the low to moderate fire danger and the wet weather.

This will greatly reduce the risk of fire spread.

For more information, call the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.