Fall open burning season begins today, Oct. 1, and runs through Nov. 30. No burning permit is required, but you must comply with air quality regulations.

Call the Ventilation Hotline before burning daily for restrictions at 751-8144, or check the webpage flatheadhealth.org prior to burning. The hotline is updated daily by 5 p.m. for the following weekday and will be updated by 5 p.m. Friday for the weekend.

Fire managers recommend taking extra care while burning this fall as persistent drought has left forest fuels extremely dry and the potential for active fire behavior still exists.

Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, all manmade 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 and are defined as a fire set for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes, which meets the following criteria: not more than 4 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.

Burn only clean, dry materials. Do not let fires smolder.

The Flathead County Landfill offers an alternative to burning, free to homeowners within the county.

Leaves and grass clippings should not be burned. Composting or landfilling these items is recommended.

Keep burn piles away from other combustible materials and fire extinguishing equipment nearby at all times. Never allow piles to become larger than manageable. Weather conditions may change quickly.

Burning is prohibited within the Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls city limits.