Flathead Reservation spring burn season begins May 1

Spring burning by permit season starts Friday, May 1. To burn from May 1 to June 30 you will need a burn permit. You can apply for one at the Division of Fire website; cskt.org/division-of-fire/ Burn permits will be available on-line starting Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Burning is a great way to clear dead vegetation and clean up. Before you light your piles or grass this spring, take the necessary precautions to ensure your burn does not become the next wildfire. Careless debris burning is one of the main causes of wildfire on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

If you intend to burn, have in place:

A current weather forecast for your local area

Water source (such as a hose, buckets, pond or lake)

Fire tools or equipment depending on the size of your burn

Enough help to respond in the event that fire behavior increases.

Burn early in the day and check the weather for the afternoon or next day wind conditions. Do not burn when high or erratic winds are forecast or dry conditions prevail. Have proper personnel, equipment, & water supply with you and always make sure the area is cold to the touch before leaving. Checking the following day is also important as stumps or roots may be holding heat that could re-ignite.

If a fire does get out of control call 911 immediately.

Remember you are responsible for any and all suppression, property costs if your fire escapes your control.

Follow CSKT Division of Fire on Facebook. If you have any questions about debris burning call the Division of Fire at 676-2550.