Citing Increased Fire Danger, Ravalli County Cuts Burning Season Short with Ban Starting June 30

HAMILTON – Ravalli County commissioners are cutting the burning season short, implementing an open burning ban effective Monday, June 30, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., citing increasing fire danger and forecasts of hot, dry conditions.

The ban, formalized through Resolution No. 4713, prohibits all outdoor open burning in the county through the closure of the Ravalli County Burn Permit System. The decision follows a public meeting held June 16 where commissioners took public comment on the proposed restrictions.

Fire Season Declaration

The county established its local fire season on February 4, 2025, through Resolution No. 4650, with the open burning season officially beginning March 1. As previously reported in March, the season was set to run through November 30 with specific permit requirements and safety guidelines.

Since then, fire danger has continued to increase, according to county commissioners, with weather forecasts predicting sustained hot and dry conditions across the area—prompting commissioners to end the burning season four months early.

County Firewarden recommended the burning restrictions “in the interest of public health and safety,” according to the resolution.

Fireworks Exception

Despite the burning ban, fireworks will remain legal on private unincorporated lands in Ravalli County from June 24 through July 5, 2025, covering the Fourth of July holiday period.

However, the resolution warns that “any fires or property damage directly or indirectly resulting from the use or discharge of fireworks may result in criminal and/or civil liability, subject to Montana law.”

The burning ban will remain in effect until commissioners vote to lift the restrictions or the local fire season ends.