Outdoor burning rules in Bozeman, 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 in and around Bozeman requires a Gallatin County burn permit and is only allowed during the March 1 - November 30 burning season. The Bozeman Fire Chief can shut down all open burning during high fire danger, and in extreme conditions impose an emergency burn ban that also prohibits recreational fires.
Open burning (yard debris, ditch burning, etc.) in the Bozeman area is governed by the Gallatin County burn-permit system, administered with the local fire authorities. Open burning is permitted only during the official burning season of March 1 through November 30, and a free burn permit must be activated for the day you burn. Prohibited materials may never be burned - the list includes hazardous materials, painted or treated lumber, chemicals, asphalt shingles, garbage, railroad ties, plastic and Styrofoam, paper and cardboard, manure, and dead animals. Because Bozeman sits in a wildfire-prone valley, the Bozeman Fire Department closely manages conditions: when weather is unfavorable, the fire chief may suspend open burning, and during extreme fire danger the city has issued emergency burn bans that close ALL open burning and recreational fires inside city limits - sometimes including charcoal grills. Always check current restrictions before lighting anything outdoors.
Burning without an active permit, burning prohibited materials, or burning during a declared ban can bring fire-code citations and liability for suppression costs if a fire escapes. During emergency bans, all open and recreational burning inside the city is prohibited and enforced by the Bozeman Fire Department and Police.
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