FireSafe Flathead

Enjoying the nice weather and ready to tackle fall yard cleanup? Please remember debris burning is closed through September 30th. Burning will resume October 1st.

A FREE burn permit is required for all debris burning in Flathead County, including piles or broadcast burning of natural vegetation such as trees, branches, shrubs, leaves, and dry grass. Burning man-made materials is prohibited.

Get, renew, or activate your free permit here:
https://app.egovmt.com/burnpermit/

Once you receive your permit:
• Save the permit number on your phone or stick it on the fridge—you’ll keep the same number and renew it annually.
• Activate the permit each day before burning.
• Add as many burn locations as needed; only one permit is required.
• Keep a printed or digital copy of the permit on-site while burning.

Permits cannot be activated when air quality, ventilation, or fire danger conditions are unfavorable.

Permits are valid for one calendar year, January 1st through December 31st, but debris burning is prohibited during July, August, and September due to fire season. Winter burning is allowed when ventilation conditions are favorable.

Permits are not required for recreational campfires measuring less than 48 inches in both height and diameter.

⚠️ Outdoor burning remains the leading cause of wildfires and wildland fire responses in the Flathead. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather, get your cleanup ready, and wait until October 1—and favorable conditions—before lighting those piles.

Yeah, you! We want to hear from you about key topics as we review recreation rules for state trust lands. Public comment links can be accessed on the DNRC Recreational Use Rules Webpage at https://dnrc.mt.gov/TrustLand/public-use/RecreationalUseRules.

The comment period is open through September 25, 2026.
Comments on this post will not be considered as official public comment.

Fire crews will conduct broadcast and pile burns at 14 sites across the Swan Valley, Spotted Bear, North Fork and Hungry Horse areas this fall and into winter. Smoke may be visible to residents and visitors while burns are underway.

📖 Full story + site list: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2026/09/23/flathead-national-forest-plans-fall-prescribed-burns-on-more-than-2400-acres/

Survey for Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan A survey for the 2026 Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan is now open, and people are encouraged to participate.