Burn permits are required when lighting a fire (either piles or broadcast burning) to consume vegetation (trees, branches, shrubs, leaves, dry grass…nothing man-made). You only need one permit and may add as many burn locations as necessary. Permits must be on site while burning; please print it or have it available on a digital device.
Permits will not be activated if air quality or fire danger conditions are not favorable. Check with Missoula County and Lake County for outdoor burning season dates and restrictions.
Keep your Burn Permit number forever - it is the number that you will renew annually and activate each day before you burn.
Local assistance with burn permits is available at multiple locations around the Swan Valley:
• DNRC-Swan River Unit at 34929 MT-83, Bigfork, MT 59911 | Ph: 406-754-2301
• Bigfork Fire Department at 10 Grand Drive, Bigfork | Ph: 406-837-4590
• Swan Valley Connections, 6887 MT-83, Condon, MT | Ph: 406-754-3137
Remember, you are responsible for any and all fire suppression costs if your fire escapes your control!
Montana State Statute 50-63-103. Liability for offender for damages and costs. Except as provided in 50-63-104, a person who sets or leaves a fire that spreads and damages or destroys property of any kind not belonging to the person is liable for all damages caused by the fire, and an owner of property damaged or destroyed by the fire may maintain a civil suit for the purpose of recovering damages. A person who sets or leaves a fire that threatens to spread and damage or destroy property is liable for all costs and expenses incurred, including but not limited to expenses incurred in investigation of the fire and administration of fire suppression, by the state of Montana, by any forestry association, or by any person extinguishing or preventing the spread of the fire.