The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued an outdoor burning reminder for residents who live within the Libby Outdoor Burning Control Area.

“The only authorized burns are those management burns that have already been approved and they cannot be set unless you have prior approval from Kendra Lind,” said Erik Leigh, enviromental technician. “The only authorized time for burning yard debris is during the month of April.”

Leigh encourages all to find an alternate method of disposal of yard materials.

“You can compost grass and leaves. Woody materials may be taken to the landfill free of charge,” Leigh said. “It is not necessary to burn these materials and it only adds to our air pollution.”

Leigh said normal winter air pollution patterns have materialized. Particulate levels are beginning to rise in the late evening and normally fall during the early daytime hours.

“I would like to remind everyone to burn only clean, dry, untreated wood and try to burn your stove as hot as possible,” Leigh said. “I know that we don’t always need a big roaring fire but please don’t let your stove smolder. Smoldering causes significant air pollution and it also contributes to creosote buildup on your chimney which may cause a chimney fire.”

For more information, call Leigh at 293-7781, ext. 344.