Billings, MT Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Billings, MT, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, for agricultural/rural/government open burns
- Who can apply
- Landowner, lessee, or responsible person
- Enforcement
- Fire code official
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Billings requires a fire code official permit before any agricultural, rural, or government open burning, and can order fires extinguished if they turn hazardous.
"307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105 prior to kindling a fire for approved agricultural and rural burning, bon fires, and open burning conducted by government agencies subject to the approval of the fire code official. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner or lessee of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled or a responsible person."
Section 307.3 Extinguishment authority. Insert: [recreational fires, bon fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, or], Delete: [open], [open] so that such section shall read as follows:
"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
Under the city's adopted 2021 International Fire Code (Sec. 14-301), a permit from the fire code official is required before kindling a fire for approved agricultural and rural burning, bonfires, or open burning conducted by government agencies. Only the landowner, lessee, or a responsible person may apply. The fire code official can order any recreational fire, bonfire, portable outdoor fireplace, or open burn extinguished if it becomes hazardous or lacks a required permit.
Violations & Fines
Violating fire code provisions is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00 or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both; each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense (Sec. 14-301, IFC § 112.4 as amended).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have an open burn in Billings without a permit?
Can the city stop my fire even if I have a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana fire regulations overview
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