Spring burning season nears end

The spring burn season is officially drawing to a close in western Montana as several land agencies in charge of administering burn permits have already stopped issuing permits, and the remaining agencies in this area will also soon stop issuing permits as well.

The Plains/Thompson Falls and Superior Ranger Districts and the Montana DNRC have officially ceased the issuing of burn permits as of June 17 on their areas of responsibility, and the Cabinet Ranger District, headquartered west of Trout Creek, will not issue permits past June 24.

BIA lands in the northeast portion of Sanders County, administered out of the BIA office in Ronan in the Hot Springs area, will continue to allow burning by permit until July 1.

No fire restrictions are in effect and campfires are still allowed, although forest users are reminded, as always, to put all fires dead out before leaving the area.

With July 4th less than two weeks away, officials would like to remind forest users that fireworks are prohibited on all U.S. Forest Service lands and lands protected by the Forest Service, and also on all state-protected lands classified as forested zones.

As the permitted burn season officially ends, people are reminded that those burning without a permit could face fines and be required to pay suppression costs in the event of an escaped fire. In any event, any person who lights a fire is ultimately responsible for any damage that fire causes.

For more information regarding burn permits, fireworks or other fire regulations on Montana’s forested lands, contact the DNRC or USFS at: DNRC Plains Unit – 826-3851; Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District – 826-3821; Cabinet Ranger District (Trout Creek) – 827-3533; or Superior Ranger District – 822-4233. To reach fire personnel at the Ronan BIA office call 676-2550.