LIBBY — The COVID-19 outbreak is prompting some changes when it comes to obtaining burn permits on Lincoln County.
Permits will be completed virtually and issued through email as offices are closed to the public at this time.
Individuals without an active email address may have a burn permit can be mailed to your mailing address.
A standardized burn permit will be used across the Kootenai National Forest and Montana DNRC Libby Unit areas.
Burn permits are required for any burning beginning May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
People can contact their local fire protection agency to request a free burn permit.
It should be noted that residential burning in the Libby Air Quality Control District is only allowed in April and requires a permit.
Complete information on Lincoln County burn regulations may be found here.
Contact the DNRC at (406) 293-2711 x4 or the Kootenai National Forest at (406) 283-7742 for more information.
Contacts and processes for each Kootenai National Forest and DNRC office are listed below:
- Cabinet Ranger District, Trout Creek: Call (406) 827-3533 to leave a message including name, phone number, and address. Staff will return calls and issue permits through email or mail.
- Libby Ranger District, Libby: Contact Paige, the district prevention technician, at (406) 334-3600 or the Libby Ranger District at (406) 293-7773. Permits will be issued through email or mail.
- Libby Unit DNRC: Call (406) 293-2711 to request a permit or leave a message. Staff will return calls and issue permits through email or mail.
- Rexford-Fortine Ranger District, Eureka: This district office phone is staffed Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm to issue burn permits. Call (406) 296-2536 during that time or leave a message with name, phone number, and address. Staff will return calls to issue permits through email or mail.
- Three Rivers Ranger District, Troy: Call (406) 295-4693 to leave a message including name, phone number, and address. Staff will return calls and issue permits through email or mail.
General tips for residential pile burning, both inside and outside the Libby Air Pollution Control District:
- Build piles of clean, dry vegetation that will burn hot and fast. Do not burn green branches, wet leaves, needles, or grass as they smolder and tend to produce an excess of smoke.
- Build small piles, keep them burning hot, and add to them throughout the day as they burn down. This also makes piles easier to extinguish should the weather change and winds increase unexpectedly.
- Clear an area 10-feet around the pile and remove any overhanging vegetation. Have tools, water, and help available.
- Check the forecast and DO NOT BURN if winds are predicted. A good day for air quality and ventilation may be a risky day for lighting a fire. Call 911 if your pile does burn out of control.
