The following was sent by the Missoula County Fire Protection Association:
Outdoor burning in Missoula County is still closed. The Prescribed Wildland burning season ended on November 30; the Essential Agriculture burning season ended on October 31, and the General burning season ended August 31. All outdoor burning seasons will open on March 1, 2026, weather condition dependent. Despite the warmer weather this winter, outdoor burning will remain closed due to poor air quality dispersion.
While burning restrictions consider fire danger, they also heavily consider the impact on air quality in the county. During the winter months, stagnant weather conditions and inversions are more likely, which trap smoke and other pollution near the valley floor. Closing burning is important to maintain healthy air quality in Missoula County throughout the winter, especially in our inversion-prone valleys. Historically, Missoula County has experienced some of the worst air quality in the State. By keeping burning closed during the winter months and on poor inversion days, Missoula County’s air quality remains at safe levels. Visit missoulapublichealth.org/environment/air/#history to learn more about the history of air quality in Missoula County, and the work that has been done to improve air quality and keep our community safe.
There has been significant blow-down and debris from our recent December windstorm. Remember, if you are planning to burn this spring, please be aware of the conditions of not only your burn pile, but the vegetation in the surrounding area and forecasted weather. To ensure an efficient and less smoky burn, cover your piles now to reduce moisture in a pile. Please allow a couple of months for your debris to dry out as this will help the debris to burn more efficiently. After activating your burn permit, available starting March 1st, have an adequate supply of personnel, water, and equipment to control your burn, and do not leave it unattended until it is cold-to-the-touch and follow all other rules associated with the permit. Within Missoula City limits, parcels must be at least one acre or more in size to be eligible for an outdoor burn permit. To learn more about outdoor burning seasons, permits, and safe burning tips, visit missoulapublichealth.org/environment/air/air-quality-outdoor-burning/ or visit MCFPA.org and follow the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) Facebook page.