Open-burning season ends

Open-burning season ends today at 5 p.m. in Flathead and northern Lake counties.

No debris burning will be allowed from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28, 2017, due to air quality concerns during the winter months. Spring open-burning season will start March 1.

Winter in the Flathead Valley is often characterized by inversions, in which weather systems can trap smoke particulates from wood fires under a layer of warmer air. When the heavier, colder air below is unable to disperse, poor air quality and hazy conditions can occur.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation encourages residents to continue improving the condition of their homes and properties in preparation for wildfire season while burn season is closed over the winter.

The department recommends focusing on the “home ignition zone,” or the area within 100 feet of the home.

Removing trees within 30 feet of the home, removing vegetation touching the home, increasing space between the crowns of trees and pruning tree limbs within 10 feet of the ground can improve the likelihood a structure remaining safe from a wildfire.

For more guidance on improving the home ignition zones or information about debris burning seasons in Flathead County, call 406-751-2270 or visit www.firesafekalispell.com.