Spring permit burning begins May 1

Spring burning by permit season starts May 1 on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Permits are required to burn from May 1 to June 30, and applications are available online at csktfire.org starting Sunday, April 30.

Burning is a great way to clear dead vegetation and clean up. Before you light your piles or grass this spring, take the necessary precautions to ensure your burn does not become the next wildfire. Careless debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfire on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

If you intend to burn, have in place:

• A current weather forecast for your local area
• Water source (such as a hose, buckets, pond or lake)
• Fire tools or equipment depending on the size of your burn
• Enough help to respond in the event that fire behavior increases.

Burn early in the day and check the weather for the afternoon or next day wind conditions. Do not burn when high or erratic winds are forecast or dry conditions prevail. Have proper personnel, equipment and water supply with you, and always make sure the area is cold to the touch before leaving. Checking the following day is also important as stumps or roots may be holding heat that could re-ignite.

If a fire does get out of control, call 911 immediately. Remember, you are responsible for any and all suppression and property damage costs if a fire escapes your control. For additional information, call the Division of Fire at 406-676-2550 and follow the CSKT Division of Fire page on Facebook.