Yellowstone County, MT Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Yellowstone County, 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
- Burn season
- Jan 1 - Dec 31 (permit)
- Permit cost
- $8 first year; $5 renewal
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset only
- Allowed fuel
- Natural vegetation only
- State rule
- DEQ ARM 17.8.6
Summary
Open burning of natural vegetation is allowed year-round in Yellowstone County but requires a burn permit from County Disaster & Emergency Services. Permits cost $8 the first year and $5 to renew, must be activated daily, and burning is only allowed sunrise to sunset.
Open burning may be conducted between January 1 and December 31....Natural vegetation is the ONLY thing that your burn permit allows you to burn....No fire shall be set between sunset and sunrise.
Full Breakdown
Yellowstone County DES administers open burning: 'Open burning may be conducted between January 1 and December 31,' but 'Natural vegetation is the ONLY thing that your burn permit allows you to burn.' A permit costs $8 once and $5 per year to renew, and must be activated each day you burn. 'No fire shall be set between sunset and sunrise.' You must keep adequate water, tools and people to control the fire. Statewide, open burning is regulated under Montana DEQ air-quality rules (ARM Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 6); spring and summer burning is county-administered. Prohibited materials list mirrors state rules (garbage, plastics, tires, treated lumber, etc.).
Violations & Fines
Burning without a permit or burning prohibited materials is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and/or 6 months in jail; escaped fires can bring felony arson charges up to $50,000 and/or 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn a brush pile?
How do I get a burn permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yellowstone County
How Yellowstone County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Yellowstone County to another location·View the Montana fire regulations overview
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