Bozeman, MT Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Article 4 of Chapter 18 of the Bozeman Municipal Code governs open burning inside the city limits. Section 18.04.020 sets the permit rule: for burning between March 1 and November 30, a county open burn permit must be obtained before any open burning begins, and any atmospheric or hours limits are written into the permit restrictions. For major open burning at any time of year, or for open burning in December, January and February, the applicant makes a written application to the state department of environmental quality. When the fire is on public property or on land belonging to someone other than the permit holder, the applicant needs both the burn permit and written permission from the owner or the owner's authorized agent. Permit fees follow a schedule adopted by the Gallatin county commission, not by the City Commission.

The article defines open burning as burning or combustion of any material directly in the open air or in a receptacle other than a furnace, multiple chambered incinerator, or wood waste burner. Section 18.04.050 totally prohibits burning food wastes, styrofoam and plastic wastes, poultry litter and animal droppings, dead animals, rubber including tires, treated lumber and timbers, pathogenic wastes, asbestos, salvage-operation materials and hazardous wastes. Section 18.04.060 states that the use of burn barrels is totally prohibited within the city limits.

A permit holder must call the county open burning number each day burning is planned, at least 30 minutes before the burn, and give the name, permit number, material, daylight starting time and location. Under section 18.04.070 the permit holder must have adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site and cannot leave until the fire is completely out with no embers or smoke. Section 18.04.080 bars setting a fire in hazardous wind or weather and lets the city fire chief close or restrict open burning when necessary. Separately, section 18.01.010 lets the fire chief issue a burn ban that takes immediate effect and stays until rescinded.