Libby, MT — Beginning Thursday, May 1st, Lincoln County residents are required to obtain a burn permit for all residential yard cleanup burning, effective through June 30th. The permits are free and can be easily accessed and renewed through the Montana Burn Permit and Notification Service online platform.
Once a permit is secured, it must be activated each day that burning is conducted. This activation can be done either through the online system or by calling the designated phone number at 406-283-2442.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has issued safety guidelines to ensure that burning is conducted responsibly and with minimal risk. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:
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Check Local Weather: Before burning, it’s essential to review the local weather forecast, with special attention to wind conditions for both the day of and the day following the burn. Winds can significantly impact the spread of fire and should be carefully considered.
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Burn Early in the Day: To reduce the risk of an uncontrolled burn, the DNRC recommends conducting burns earlier in the day when humidity levels tend to be higher, which can help control the fire.
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Keep Burn Piles Manageable: Burn piles should be small and easily controlled. Attending to the fire at all times is crucial to ensure safety.
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Avoid Burning Hazardous Materials: The DNRC advises against burning garbage, plastic, or treated wood, as these materials release toxic chemicals into the air when ignited, posing a threat to air quality and public health.
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Be Prepared with Safety Tools: Residents should have an adequate water supply on hand, such as a charged hose, buckets of water, and a shovel, in case the fire requires quick suppression.
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Post-Burn Inspection: After the fire has been extinguished, it is important to check the area the following day to ensure no hot spots remain, particularly around tree roots and stumps. These could reignite if left unchecked.
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Emergency Measures: In the event that a burn escapes control, residents are urged to call 911 immediately.
These precautions are designed to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure that yard cleanup efforts do not unintentionally cause larger fires. The burn permit system aims to promote safe burning practices throughout Lincoln County during the spring season, when conditions are often dry and windy.
For more information or to apply for a permit, residents are encouraged to visit the Montana Burn Permit and Notification Service website.
