Outdoor burning open for essential agriculture, prescribed wildland, fire danger remains moderate
Posted on September 15, 2026
Fire officials in Missoula County have opened Essential Agriculture and Prescribed Wildland burning due to steady precipitation and consistent cool temperatures, effective Sept. 15, 2026.
While fire danger remains moderate, fire professionals caution that fires can still start from accidental causes. Please use caution when using fire as grass can dry out quickly and can spread easily on windy days. As you head out and enjoy our public lands this autumn, please remember to keep fires small and always extinguish fires completely before leaving.
The General Burning Season (burning of yard debris/untreated vegetative waste generated onsite) remains closed until March 1, 2027. All burning in Missoula County is by permit only, obtain a permit online. To activate your permit, call 888-583-6497 or visit burn.egovmt.com.
An Essential Agricultural Outdoor Burning Permit is for any outdoor burning conducted on a farm or ranch when no reasonable alternative of disposal is available to:
- (a) eliminate excess vegetative matter from an irrigation ditch when no reasonable alternative method of disposal is available;
- (b) eliminate excess vegetative matter from cultivated fields;
- (c) improve range conditions; or
- (d) improve wildlife habitat.
A Prescribed Wildland Outdoor Burning Permit is for any planned outdoor burning, either deliberately or naturally ignited, that is conducted on forest land or relatively undeveloped rangeland to:
- (a) improve wildlife habitat;
- (b) improve range conditions;
- (c) promote forest regeneration;
- (d) reduce fire hazards resulting from forestry practices, including reduction of log deck debris when the log desk is close to a timber harvest site;
- (e) control forest pests and disease; or
- (f) promote any other accepted silvicultural practices.
Before lighting your fire, read your permit carefully and follow all conditions listed there. Use caution, never light more than you can manage in case weather conditions unexpectedly change. Before igniting, consider what resources you would need if the fire escaped. Learn more about burn permit types, regulations, and seasons by clicking here.
Visit MCFPA.org for more information on wildfire preparedness, prevention, and safety. Visit MTFireinfo.org for information about current wildfires and restrictions in Montana.