Spring burning season underway

Spring open burn season started Monday and will go through the end of April.

While those looking to burn during the spring season do not need a permit, they must call Flathead County’s Ventilation Hotline at 751-8144 or visit www.flatheadhealth.org to review any burn restrictions beforehand.

Individuals also need to check the county’s air quality website prior to burning to ensure they are in compliance with air quality measures. The ventilation forecast is updated by 5 p.m. every night for the next day and by 8:30 am on Monday.

Prohibited burn materials include, but are not limited to, all manmade materials, treated materials, wood, and wood by-product trade wastes produced by any business, trade, industry, or demolition project. Construction debris is considered a trade waste.

Campfires and warming fires — when deemed necessary determined by weather conditions — are restricted to fires less than 4 feet in diameter. These fires, which should never be left to smolder, should also consist of materials less than 3 inches in diameter.

The following are important reminders from the health department:

Burn only clean, dry materials. Do not let poorly burning fires smolder.

The Flathead County Landfill offers an alternative to burning, free to homeowners within the county.

Leaves and grass clippings create excessive smoke and do not burn well. 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.

In the Whitefish area, a permit is required from the Whitefish Fire Department.

Burning is prohibited within the Kalispell and Columbia Falls city limits.

Beginning May 1 through June 30, a burn permit will be required. And from July 1 through Aug. 31, there is no burning in Flathead County and/or parts of Lake County.