Billings, MT Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Billings, MT, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- only for bonfires, ag/rural burning
- Recreational fires
- no permit required
- Extinguishment
- ordered anytime a hazard exists
- Penalty
- misdemeanor, up to $500 / 6 months
Summary
Billings doesn't require a permit for recreational fires or portable outdoor fireplaces, but the fire code official can order one extinguished immediately if it turns hazardous or if a required burn permit wasn't obtained.
"307.3 Extinguishment authority. When recreational fires, bon fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, or open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the burning operation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings adopts the 2021 International Fire Code by ordinance at Sec. 14-301 and locally amends Section 307. Under Sec. 307.2, a permit is required only for agricultural and rural burning, bonfires, and government-conducted open burning: recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces are not on that permit list. But Sec. 307.3 gives the fire code official standing authority to order any recreational fire, bonfire, portable outdoor fireplace, or open burning extinguished the moment it creates a hazard, or if a required burn permit was never obtained.
Violations & Fines
Refusing a fire official's order to extinguish, or burning without a required permit, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 112.4: up to $500 and 6 months in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Billings?
Can the fire department make me put my fire out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana fire regulations overview
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