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.
Open burning of yard waste in Billings requires a permit through the Billings Fire Department under BMC Chapter 15, with seasonal restrictions and Yellowstone County air-quality stage controls; recreational fires in approved containers are allowed without a permit.
Billings Municipal Code Chapter 15 regulates open burning of vegetative debris, leaves, and similar materials. Residents within city limits generally need a BFD burn permit, must follow setback distances from structures and property lines, and may not burn during stage one or stage two air-quality alerts issued by Yellowstone County. Trash, treated wood, plastics, and tires are always prohibited. Recreational fires under three feet in approved containers fueled by clean wood do not require permits but must be attended and extinguished. Outside city limits, Yellowstone County rural fire districts and Montana DEQ rules apply.
Unpermitted burning can draw 100 to 500 dollar citations, and any fire that escapes containment exposes the responsible party to suppression cost recovery and civil damages.
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