The following is a press release from the Missoula County Fire Protection Association:

"Missoula County Fire Protection Association has announced a return to MODERATE fire danger after a very arduous wildland fire season.  Recent rains and cool seasonal temperatures have lowered the fire danger to levels that allow for issuance of outdoor burning permits in Missoula County.

Missoula County permits for agricultural or prescribed wildland burning are the only type of permits available in Missoula County this time of year, and are available online or at some local fire departments for $5.  General permits (yard debris, for example) are only valid from March 1st through August 31st each year.  People with existing agricultural or prescribed wildland permits from this spring can activate them at www.burnpermit.mt.gov

Having a burn permit alone is not enough in Missoula County.  Burners must activate their permit each day they want to burn by visiting www.burnpermit.mt.gov or by calling 1-888-583-6497.  Missoula’s air quality determines if folks can burn on any given day, and the activation process provides information on current restrictions.   To find out if Missoula County’s air shed is open for burning, folks have two additional places to look:

1. Call the Air Quality Hotline: (406) 258-4900 OR

2. Go to www.MCFPA.org and click on “Can I Burn Today?”

NBC Montana reports western Montanans have struggled through an arduous fire season in 2015.  Everyone needs to maintain a fire-safe awareness into the fall and we encourage everyone to be aware and prepare for safe, secure burning.  Burners will be held responsible for burns that get away from them and cause damage to their neighbors.   Call your local fire department office or go to www.MCFPA.org for more information."

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