Open burning officially began Monday, March 1. Fire officials from the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) are reminding people to burn safely and responsibly during this time. Debris burning is typically allowed without a permit in Sanders County from March through April, but a burn permit is required for any burning done between May 1 and September 30.

If a fire escapes and damages or threatens lives and property, or requires an agency response, the person who lit the fire may be held responsible both legally, and financially. To reduce the chance of an escaped burn, there are several precautions landowners should take prior to and during burning:

Call the Airshed Hotline at 1 (800) 225-6779 to check if air quality restrictions are in place.

Check the weather forecast before burning; avoid burning during the time of day when winds are strongest or when the relative humidity is low.

Inform your neighbors when you plan to burn and enlist extra help if needed.

Have a list of phone numbers readily available including local fire departments.

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

Build the piles in openings away from overhead branches, wires and structures.

Wet the area down around the piles and clear the area around the pile of dry flammable material and have bare soil within several feet.

Ensure that an adequate water source is in place and ready to use. Check the water pressure and hose condition, and make sure there is enough hose available.

Keep a shovel, rake and/or other hand tools within reach while burning.

Make sure someone is on hand to watch your burn until it is completely 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.

Before burning, consider other options for the disposal of unwanted materials as burning is often not the only, or best way to deal with unwanted debris. Dead grass, garden debris, leaves and conifer needles are all materials that can be composted.

Permits are not required for campfires unless existing fire danger or fire restrictions are in place.

Agencies responsible for responding to wildfires in this area include U.S. Forest Service offices in Plains and Trout Creek, and the Plains Unit, DNRC. For more information call the Forest Service at 826-3821 (Plains) or 827-3533 (Trout Creek), or DNRC at 826-3851.