The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reminds residents that as of Thursday, May 1, a permit will be required for burning any natural yard, wildland or agricultural debris in Flathead County and northern Lake County.

Burn permits are free and available at www.firesafekalispell.com, at several locations including department offices and Flathead Environmental Health, or, for those without Internet access, by calling 752-7376 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Plan ahead because debris burning will be prohibited during July, August and September due to Montana’s fire season.

Air quality compliance is required before every burn, so call Flathead Air Quality at 751-8144 for the updated ventilation and burning forecast on the morning you plan to ignite your piles.

Burn seasons provide an opportunity for spring cleaning and improving the defensible and survivable space around your home and property. A few suggestions include:

— Rake up leaves and needles within 5 feet around the perimeter around your home

— Remove any branches that are overhanging or touching your home

— Prune tree branches 6 to 0 feet from the ground

— Relocate any wood piles at least 30 feet away from your home

— Replace landscaping plants containing volatile oils with native fire-adapted plants.

Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of fires in Flathead and Lake counties and burners can be held financially responsible for the cost of suppression. Local firefighters ask that you refrain from burning when high winds are forecast, and that you have enough people, tools, and water on site to put out the fire if necessary.

Contact the fire prevention specialist for the Kalispell Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at 751-2270 with questions regarding burn seasons or defensible space standards.