Spring Open Burning began March 1

Spring open burning season will open March 1 and extend through April 30 states a release from the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Burners must call the Ventilation Hotline daily at 751-8144 or visit the Air Quality website at www.flatheadhealth.org for restrictions before burning. The ventilation forecast is updated by 5 p.m. each night for the next day and by 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

Prohibited 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 should consist of materials less than 3 inches in diameter.

Below are regulations to remember:

-Call the Ventilation Hotline at 751-8144 before burning.

-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.

-Always burn piles away from other combustible materials and have fire extinguishing equipment nearby.

-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.

Important dates to remember:

Dec. 1 to Feb. 29 — No open burning (season closed)

March. 1 to April 30 — Open burning. No burning permit is required. Air Quality compliance is required.

May 1 to June 30 — Burning permit required from DNRC. Air Quality compliance is required.

July 1 to Aug. 31 — No burning in Flathead County and some Lake County RFD's.

Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 — Open burning. No burning permit is required. Air Quality compliance is required. September is typically closed due to fire danger.