Open burning season, requiring no permits, is open until April 30 in Flathead County. Permits are required in May and June.

However, there are still regulations to follow such as calling the Ventilation Hotline daily at 751-8144 or checking flatheadhealth.org for restrictions prior to burning. The hotline and the Web page are updated daily by 8:30 a.m. Weekend information is available on the hotline by 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, all man-made materials, treated materials, wood and wood by-product trade wastes produced by any business, trade, industry or demolition project. Construction debris is considered a trade waste.

Campfires are allowed without a permit. Campfire is defined as a fire set for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes which meets the following criteria: not more than four feet in diameter or height, void of overhanging branches, all combustible material is cleared at least one and one-half times the diameter of the fire or a barbecue in a noncombustible container.