It is strictly regulated.
Open burning in Montana is permissible only under stringent conditions enforced by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local air quality districts. Permits are mandatory for most burns, with exceptions for recreational fires under 4 feet in diameter. Violations trigger DEQ enforcement actions, including fines up to $10,000 under the 2023 Montana Air Quality Act amendments. Seasonal restrictions, particularly during fire season, further limit permissible burn windows.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Montana
- Permit Requirements: A DEQ-issued burn permit is required for all open burning except campfires ≤4 feet in diameter. Local health departments may impose additional constraints.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is prohibited during “Air Stagnation Advisories” and “Fire Season” (typically July 1–September 30), per DEQ’s 2024 Wildfire Smoke Management Plan.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household trash, treated wood, tires, or construction debris is illegal. Only vegetative material (e.g., untreated wood, leaves) may be burned, subject to size and moisture limits.
Local air quality districts (e.g., Missoula City-County Air Quality Board) enforce stricter rules, including burn bans during high pollution episodes. The DEQ’s 2026 Compliance Assistance Program targets rural burners with education on alternative disposal methods. Non-compliance risks enforcement under the Clean Air Act’s Montana State Implementation Plan. Always verify county-specific ordinances before initiating burns.