During open burning season, people are allowed to burn organic materials, like debris from land clearing, without a permit. However, to prevent getting fined, facing legal issues, or causing safety hazards, it’s essential to know the details about when, what, and where to burn. Read on for a helpful guide to spring open burning season in the Flathead County, MT, area.

Your Guide to Spring Open Burning Season

Dates

Open burning season begins on March 1 and ends on April 30. During this time, you may burn sanctioned materials (listed below) in Flathead County. However, you may not burn items within the city limits of Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

Permitted Materials

Residents have permission to burn dry and clean organic materials, such as boughs, branches, and twigs left over from land clearing or excavation services. Though you may burn leaves and grass cuttings, officials recommend composting these instead, since they produce large volumes of smoke. 

Regulations & Prohibited Materials 

Man-made materials are prohibited during open burn season. These may include treated, construction debris, and demolition waste. Keep combustible materials away from fires, and have a fire extinguisher on hand. 

Fires must be no bigger than 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. Completely extinguish the fire when you’re finished, since letting it smolder can cause wildfires.

When You Need Permits

The city of Whitefish requires permits during open burning season, and you may acquire them from the local fire department. Alternatively, call (406) 752-7376 or visit the Flathead County Environmental Health offices to apply for one.

 

To ensure your land clearing job is completed and the debris is disposed of efficiently and safely, contact the professionals at Valley Excavating. They offer site preparation, excavation, and septic installations to clients in and around Kalispell, MT. Call (406) 857-2086 to get a quote on land clearing for your property and book an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help you get your lot ready for construction and installation services.