HAMILTON - Ravalli County commissioners on Monday morning closed outdoor debris burning and suspended issuing burn permits until further notice.
Local fire managers met with commissioners to provide updates on the current and forecast fire danger conditions and recommended the closure.
While the burn ban is in effect, the burn permit system will be shut down and burn permits will not be able to be activated.
Recreational and cooking fires up to 48" are still allowed, as long as the fire is fully attended and completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the area of the fire.
Local fire managers are asking for our community’s help in preventing human-caused fires.
People are asked to remember the following fire prevention tips:
- Avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall, dry grass. Exhaust systems and catalytic converters easily start fires.
- Ensure safety chains on trailers or other equipment do not drag, causing sparks.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly. In a vehicle, use the ashtray; outside, crush smoking materials and matches dead out on bare ground larger than 3 feet in diameter.
- Make sure all mechanical outdoor equipment (tractors, chainsaws, off-road vehicles, etc.) are equipped with properly-working mufflers, spark arresters, and bearings.
