All burns require a permit, which you may obtain and activate online from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Outdoor burn permits cost $7. You can pay online using a credit card or electronic check. If you prefer to purchase your permit in person you may come in to our office at 301 W Alder on the 2nd floor.

Review the Types of Outdoor Burn Permits below to select the correct permit for your type of burn.

Burn Season and Restriction Forecast

The General, Essential Agricultural, and Prescribed Wildland burn seasons are open as of March 1, 2026.

The outdoor burning restriction forecast is subject to change as weather forecasts change. Check burn.egovmt.com for current daily restrictions.

All outdoor burners must follow BACT methods.

BACT stands for Best Available Control Technology. BACT methods include controlling pollutants from an outdoor burning source that limit emissions to the maximum degree achievable. Such methods may include the following:

• burning during seasons and periods of good or excellent ventilation,
• using dispersion forecasts and predictive modeling to minimize smoke impacts,
• limiting the amount of burning at any one time,
• using burning techniques that minimize smoke production,
• minimizing dirt in piles and minimizing moisture content of target fuels,
• ensuring adequate air to fuel ratios,
• prioritizing burns as to air quality impact and assigning control techniques accordingly, and
• promoting alternative uses of materials to be burned.