Mineral County officials have decided to extend open burning without a permit to accommodate the COVID-19 social distancing of six feet separation recommendations that are in place.

In a normal year, May 1 is the date that is required to obtain a burn permit for debris burning anywhere outside of incorporated city limits, according to Mineral County Fire Warden Mary Jo Lommen.

“This year, open burning will still be permitted through May, however a burning permit is not required. As of June 1, all burning will be closed and no permits will be issued,” Lommen said in a press release.

Due to the high number of calls reporting smoke of unknown nature, it will be asked of anyone who will be burning to notify your local fire district or the U.S. Forest Service with a phone call on the day that you plan to burn.

“The least amount of unnecessary exposure to our fire departments and forest service personnel, the better it will be for the duration,” Lommen said. “Each call out requires a response of several firefighters to be brought together risking exposure to each other and to the public.”

But Lommen doesn’t want residents to hesitate to call if necessary.

“However, considering this, do not hesitate to call 911 if you feel that there is a burn out of control or a natural occurring fire that would need response to.”

Names and phone numbers for the Fire Chiefs for each district is as follows:

• Steve Temple – Superior Rural and City Fire District – 406-382-0161

• Jerry Dockter – St. Regis Rural Fire District – 406-649-7027

• Frenchtown Fire (Joe Calnan, Chief) East end of Mineral County - 406-626-5791

• West End Fire – Contact Fire Department

• Forest Service (Jim Ward, FMO) hotline number – 406-822-3933

• Mary Jo Lommen – Mineral County Fire Warden – 406-822-2500

• 911 for reporting any emergency. Do not call 911 for planning purposes.

Remember to follow all safety rules when making your decision to burn.

Some of those are: Do not burn on a windy day, always stay with your burn until it is out or safe to leave it, have water and tools at your disposal, and have enough help available to handle the amount you are burning.