If air quality conditions deteriorate, this web page may be used for updates and alerts. If you require additional information, call 406-751-8130.
OPEN BURNING begins October 1st through November 30th. A burning permit is not required during this time. Please call the air quality hotline at 751-8144 on whether burning is allowed. You can also call the Environmental Health Department at 751-8130 M-F. • Burn only clean, dry materials. Do not let fires smolder. • The Flathead County Landfill offers an alternative to burning, free to homeowners within the county. • Leaves and grass clippings should not be burned. Composting or landfilling these items is recommended. • Keep burn piles away from other combustible materials and 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.
For further air quality updates visit www.todaysair@mt.gov or call our office during business hours at Monday - Friday at 406-751-8130.
Important Dates to Remember
| December 1 – February 29 | No open burning (Season Closed) |
| March 1-April 30 | Open burning. No burning permit required. Air Quality compliance required. |
| May 1-June 30 | Burning permit required from DNRC(Department of Natural Resources and Conservation). Air Quality compliance required. |
| July 1 -September 30 | No burning in Flathead County and some Lake County RFD’s. May be earlier or later due to fire conditions |
| October 1 – November 30 | Open burning. No burning permit required. Air Quality compliance required. |
If you have further questions regarding air quality, please call 751-8130.
Burning Permits can be acquired at the following locations:
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Fire Safe Kalispell
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Calling 406-752-7376
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In person at DNRC offices (Kalispell, Swan, Stillwater)
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In person at Flathead County Environmental Health (2nd floor of South Campus Building)
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In person at Bigfork Fire Department
Please remember that debris burning is not allowed within city limits of Kalispell, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls.
Camp Fires
Burning permits are not required for campfires. Under state law, a campfire is defined as a fire set for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes; not more than 3 feet in diameter or height and cleared of overhanging branches. All combustible material should be cleared at least 1-1/2 times the diameter of the fire.
Never leave your campfire unattended and keep your shovel and bucket handy. Most importantly, do not abandon your campfire until you are sure your fire is DEAD OUT. Prevent forest fires, build safe campfires, and stay with them until they are DEAD OUT. Only YOU can prevent wildfires.
Helpful Links:
Environmental Health Services Contact Info
1035 1st Ave West
Kalispell, MT 59901 – 2nd Floor
406-751-8130 main line Office Hours
406-751-8131 fax Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 am -5 pm
406-751-8144 air quality line Wednesday Closed 8:00am -9:30am Open 9:30am -5 pm