Multiple Fire Districts in Gallatin County Suspend Burn Permits

Residents in several fire districts in the Gallatin Valley will not be able to activate burn permits starting this week. As of Tuesday, June 30, 2015, Three Forks, Willow Creek, Clarkston, Fort Ellis, Manhattan, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Rural Fire (areas outside of a fire district), and Gallatin River Ranch have closed their fire districts to any open burning that requires a burn permit.
As the weather continues in a warm and dry trend, fire officials are concerned that the fire danger is too high in some areas for residents to safely burn. All remaining fire districts are watching the weather closely and may also be closing their districts to any burning that requires a burn permit. Permits are required to burn natural vegetative material accumulated in a pile that is greater than four feet in diameter. Campfires do not require a burn permit.

Fire activity is starting to increase around the state and fire officials in Gallatin County urge residents to use caution with any open flame and when using fireworks over the 4th of July holiday. Residents are encouraged to delay their open burning activities until the weather improves and to be aware that they may not be able to activate their burn permits until late in the burning season. Permits can be activated at http://burnpermit.mt.gov if your fire district is still allowing open burning.