Spring/summer open burning season began March 1.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality said that once again only clean, untreated wood and plant material can be burned legally.

It is illegal to burn food waste, plastics, wood that has been coated, painted, stained, or treated, dead animals or animal droppings, rubber materials, chemicals, asphalt shingles, tar paper, pathogenic or hazardous wastes, and standing or demolished structures containing prohibited materials.

The DEQ strongly recommends contacting the county Health Department before starting open burning to find out if there are any county air quality requirements that apply, especially in Flathead County.

All burners should contact local fire control authorities before open burning any time of the year to get information on local fire safety requirements, and to notify authorities of the location and time of their burns.

For more information on air quality related rules for open burning, open burning seasons, and state permit requirements go to www.deq.mt.gov.