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Billings, MT Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Authority
Fire chief or designee
Sign size
50 sq in minimum, orange
Posting interval
Every 1/4 mile on roads
Max penalty
$500 fine / 6 months

Summary

The Billings fire chief can close hazardous fire areas to public entry during high wildfire danger and reopen them once conditions ease, per Municipal Code Art. 14-500.

The fire chief or his designee is authorized to determine and publicly announce when hazardous fire areas shall be closed to entry and when such areas shall again be opened to entry. ... A person commits the offense of criminal trespass to hazardous fire Areas if the person enters or remains unlawfully in a properly posted hazardous fire area. ... A person convicted of a violation of this article shall be fined not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned not to exceed six (6) months or both.

Source: Montana DNRC ForestryView official code

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 Article 14-500 of the Billings Municipal Code, the fire chief or a designee decides when hazardous fire areas are closed to entry and when they reopen. Closed areas must be posted with orange signs at least 50 square inches, placed at every normal access point and at least every quarter mile along access roads. Entering or remaining in a posted closed area is criminal trespass; tampering with the signs, barricades, or locks used to close the area is also a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Criminal trespass to a posted hazardous fire area, or tampering with closure signs/barricades/locks, is punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides when a hazardous fire area in Billings closes?
The fire chief or their designee, who can close and later reopen these areas as fire danger changes.
What happens if I enter a closed hazardous fire area?
It's criminal trespass under city code, with a fine up to $500, up to 6 months jail, or both.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Billings rules

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