County suspends October open burning

The Flathead City-County Health Department announced Friday that the county commissioners have voted to extend the ban on open burning through October

The ban applies to all areas of the county outside the incorporated cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls.

In a press release, the department said no one may ignite a fire for slash burning, land clearing or other debris without a permit issued by the fire protection agency for the area such as rural fire districts, fire service areas, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation or  Flathead National Forest.

Recreational campfires are allowed unless more fire restrictions are issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation or the local fire district.

Camp fires may not exceed 4 feet in diameter or contain material larger than 3 inches in diameter.

For additional information, contact Flathead City-County Environmental Health at 751-8130.