Open burning allowed March 1

With open burning season beginning March 1, 2008, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reminds those who conduct open burning that only clean, untreated wood and plant material can be burned. It is illegal to burn waste generated from residences such as tires, baling twine, plastic, treated or painted lumber, dead animals or animal waste.

The DEQ regulates open burning to protect public health and the environment from air pollution. The possible release of toxic emissions is harmful to people, plants and animals - especially sensitive people like the young and elderly. Many county health departments also regulate open burning. Prior to open burning, contact your county health department to determine whether county restrictions exist.

Fire danger may also exist in some communities. County, state, and federal fire protection agencies regulate small fires, including campfires and barbecue grills, to prevent wildland fires. Prior to any type of open burning, local fire authorities should also be contacted to determine whether burning is prohibited.

Residents of Lincoln, Missoula, Yellowstone, Flathead and Cascade counties, and all Indian reservations are required to contact their local air quality agencies for open burning regulations. All burners shall contact local fire control authorities and county sanitarians prior to open burning (during any time of the year) to obtain information on local open burning permits and rules.

Builders and contractors must obtain a Trade Waste Open Burning Permit from the DEQ before open burning materials from construction or operation of any business, industry, or demolition project. It is illegal to burn waste such as styrofoam and other plastics, wastes generating noxious odors, wood and wood byproducts that have been coated, painted, stained, treated, or contaminated by a foreign material, rubber materials, asphalt shingles, tar paper, insulated wire, oil or petroleum products, treated lumber including plywood, hazardous wastes, chemicals, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, and paint.

Failing to comply with open burning rules may result in enforcement actions. A full list of materials prohibited from open burning is outlined in the Administrative Rules of Montana section 17.8.604 which is available by calling DEQ at 406-444-3490 or can be viewed at the DEQ Web site at: www.deq.mt.gov.

Open burning season in Montana is from March 1 until Aug. 31, 2008.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) wants to make sure that unwanted debris is the only thing going up in flames.

“Each year people start more than half of all wildfires in Montana, and the majority of those fires are started by burning debris that escapes control,” said Pat Cross, DNRC Fire Prevention Specialist. “Open burning of trash and other materials is a worthwhile tool, but it comes with risks.”

If a landowner's debris fire escapes control, Cross said, that individual can be held liable for fire suppression costs and any damage done to neighboring property. “The safest way to dispose of trash and debris is to haul it away,” he said. “But if you must burn, be careful and follow all the basic safety rules.”

For more information on open burning and fire safety, contact the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation or the local fire agency.