Open burning season starts today

Open burning season started today in Flathead County.

The spring season is March 1-April 30, requiring no burning permits. Permits are required in May and June. However, there are still regulations to follow such as calling the Ventilation Hotline daily at 751-8144 or checking flatheadhealth.org for restrictions prior to burning. The hotline and the Web page are updated daily by 8:30 a.m. Weekend information is available on the hotline by 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, all man-made materials, treated materials, wood and wood by-product trade wastes produced by any business, trade, industry or demolition project. Construction debris is considered a trade waste.

Campfires are allowed without a permit. Campfire is defined as a fire set for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes which meets the following criteria: not more than four feet in diameter or height, void of overhanging branches, all combustible material is cleared at least one and one-half times the diameter of the fire or a barbecue in a noncombustible container.

Other requirements are the following:

• Burn only clean, dry materials. Do not let fires smolder.

• An alternative to burning is offered by the Flathead County Landfill. Homeowners can bring up to two pickup loads of residential yard waste to the landfill, free of charge.

• Leaves and grass clippings create excessive smoke and do not burn well. The county recommends composting or landfilling these items.

• Keep burn piles away from combustible materials and keep fire extinguishing equipment nearby at all times.

• Never allow piles to become larger than manageable. Weather conditions may change quickly.

• Burning is prohibited within the Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls city limits.

• The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will post further fire restrictions and closures if necessary to flatheadhealth.org.