Current Open Burning Status

As of April 17, 2025

Current Activated Burn Permits

Who is my Fire Department?

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Burn Permits

Gallatin County utilizes a burn permit system to indicate when it is not safe to burn and minimize false alarms by knowing where people are conducting controlled burns.  Burn permits can be obtained online at www.gallatinburnpermits.com or in person at the following locations and activated each day you burn:

• Bozeman Fire Department, 300 East Oak in Bozeman
• Central Valley Fire District, 215 Wings Way in Belgrade
• Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office, 311 West Main, Room 103 in Bozeman
• Three Forks Library, 607 North Main in Three Forks

**The following information is for unincorporated areas of Gallatin County.  Incorporated cities may have their own regulations that vary.**

When Can I Burn?

Open burning is allowed by Gallatin County Burn Permit between March 1st and November 30 of each year.  During this time frame burn permits are required.  When conditions are not favorable for burning, the fire chief of your fire protection agency may shut down open burning to reduce the potential for a fire to get out of control.  In extreme conditions a burn ban may be implemented restricting all open flames.  Gallatin County does not utilize the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restriction system.  Instead, either burning is open or closed (we find this easier to understand) and in very rare situations the County Commission may institute a complete burn ban.

Hazard Reduction Agreements?

Hazard Reduction Agreements fall under a different portion of the law and allow organizations with an HRA to conduct burning outside of the burn permit requirements.  However, those conducting a controlled burn under an HRA must still notify Gallatin County by purchasing a Hazard Reduction Agreement Notification at www.gallatinburnpermits.com.

Winter Burning

Montana DEQ can permit burning during the winter (outside of the County Burn Permit Season) under a another section of law.  Those wishing to conduct a burning project from December 1 to February 28 must complete the DEQ Winter Burning request form at least 24 hours beforehand on the DEQ Winter Burning Request Form.  You will receive an email from DEQ indicating if your permit is approved and indicating the duration (up to 3 days) along with any other criteria.  If approval is granted, you then must activate a purchased Gallatin County DEQ Notification permit each day at www.gallatinburnpermits.com.

More information on winter burning at:  https://deq.mt.gov/air/Programs/burning

What Can I Burn?

Natural vegetation is allowed to be burned with a valid activated burn permit.

Are Burn Barrels Legal?

Burn Barrels by themselves are legal, however what people often burn in them is not legal.  Burn permits are required for burning in a burn barrel.

What is Illegal to Burn?

These common items are illegal to burn at all times:

17.8.604 MATERIALS PROHIBITED FROM OPEN BURNING

(1) The following material may not be disposed of by open burning:
(a) any waste which is moved from the premises where it was generated, except as provided in ARM 17.8.604(2), 17.8.611, or 17.8.612(4)(a) or (b);
(b) food wastes;
(c) Styrofoam and other plastics;
(d) wastes generating noxious odors;
(e) wood and wood byproducts that have been coated, painted, stained, treated, or contaminated by a foreign material, unless open burning is allowed under ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(f) poultry litter;
(g) animal droppings;
(h) dead animals or dead animal parts;
(i) tires, except as provided in ARM 17.8.615;
(j) rubber materials;
(k) asphalt shingles, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(l) tar paper, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(m) automobile or aircraft bodies and interiors, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(n) insulated wire, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(o) oil or petroleum products, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(p) treated lumber and timbers;
(q) pathogenic wastes;
(r) hazardous wastes, as defined by 40 CFR Part 261, incorporated by reference in ARM 17.8.602;
(s) trade wastes, except as provided in ARM 17.8.611 or 17.8.612;
(t) any materials resulting from a salvage operation;
(u) chemicals, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615;
(v) Christmas tree waste as defined in ARM 17.8.601, except as provided in ARM 17.8.613;
(w) asbestos or asbestos-containing materials;
(x) standing or demolished structures containing prohibited material, except as provided in ARM 17.8.612, 17.8.614, or 17.8.615; and
(y) paint, except as provided in ARM 17.8.614 or 17.8.615.
(2) A person may not conduct open burning of any wood waste that is moved from the premises where it was generated, except as provided in ARM 17.8.611 or 17.8.612(4)(a) or (4)(b), or unless the department determines:
(a) the material is wood or wood byproducts that have not been coated, painted, stained, treated, or contaminated by a foreign material; and
(b) alternative methods of disposal are unavailable or infeasible.
(3) A person conducting open burning of wood waste which is moved from the premises where it was generated shall comply with BACT.
(4) A person intending to conduct open burning of wood waste which is moved from the premises where it was generated shall contact the department by calling the number listed in ARM 17.8.601(1) prior to conducting open burning.
(5) Except as provided in ARM 17.8.606, a person may not open burn any nonprohibited material without first obtaining an air quality open burning permit from the department.

View full list of prohibited items here.

What is a Recreational Fire?

A recreational fire is a fire ignited, set or burning in a nonflammable structure measuring less than 48 inches diameter and for which a reasonably prudent and suitable source of extinguishing the fire is available.  Burn Permits are not needed for recreational fires.  The key is that it is for recreational purposes and inside a structure such as a fire pit.

Safe Debris Burning

• Make sure you have a valid permit that is activated on the day you plan to burn.  If conditions aren’t safe, you won’t be able to activate your permit.
• Check the weather for the day – don’t burn on dry, windy days.  Conditions may change later in the day from when you start, making it hard to control the fire.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. It should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires.
• Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited. It becomes compacted and wet, increasing the air pollution, and makes the fire burn longer, requiring more watching.
• Check local laws on burning debris. Cities may have specific regulations (see below).  If your fire does get away, you may be liable for the damage and suppression costs.
• Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass, and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned. Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station.

References

• Gallatin County Fire Permit and Control Regulations
• Bozeman Municipal Open Burning Regulations
• Three Forks Open Burning Regulations
• West Yellowstone Open Burning Regulations
• Belgrade Open Burning Regulations