Burning In The Flathead

As of Wednesday July 1st opening burning is prohibited in the Flathead Valley until October 1st.  Unless otherwise stated campfires that are 3' wide x 3' high are permitted.  Extreme conditions may prohibit camp fires as well.  Rember even when burning small campfire you should never burn in windy conditions and always have a shovel, hose or other means to extinquish the fire quickly.

Burning restrictions will be updated daily on the ventilation hotline, 751-8144.  You must call each day that you burn during the burning seasons, which are described below. The report will be updated by 8:40am on weekdays and by 5:00pm Friday for the weekend.

Important Dates to Remember

Additional information and closures:

Flathead National Forest   758-5200
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation  751-2240
All of Region 1 (Northwest United States) National Forest  329-4853 or 329-4854

It is illegal to burn without a permit during the May 1  thru June 30.  It is illegal to burn at all July 1 thru September 30 Forest Fire Season.  Violators can be fined for the cost of extinguishing an illegal fire. 

Burning permits are not required for campfires.  Under state law, a campfire is defined as a fire set for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes; not more than 4 feet in diameter or height and cleared of overhanging branches.  All combustible material should be cleared at least 1-1/2 times the diameter of the fire.

Never leave your campfire unattended and keep your shovel and bucket handy.  Most importantly, do not abandon your campfire until you are sure your fire is DEAD OUT.  Prevent forest fires, build safe campfires, and stay with them until they are DEAD OUT.  Only YOU can prevent wildfires.

You may also access this information on the ventilation hotline at 751-8144.   If you have questions call 751-8130, weekdays.

The Creston Fire Department is a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to reducing the loss of life and property through fire and emergency medical response, prevention, and education. We have been providing service to the Creston community since the late 1950’s. We have some of the best-equipped and trained firefighters in the state of Montana.

The Creston Fire Department owns five fully-equipped engines, one 4000-gallon water tender, and one attack/brush unit. This equipment is housed in four stations: Creston, Lake Blaine, Mountain Brook, and Fairmont-Egan. The engines carry a full array of emergency medical equipment including defibrillators. The department also maintains a training facility at Lake Blaine Station.

What are the benefits to you, the Creston resident, of having such a great fire department?

• 24/7 emergency response, 365 days a year

• Ongoing prevention and education programs

• Safety programs in all the schools

• Reduced fire insurance rates for homeowners (much lower than if we didn’t exist)

You can become involved in a great organization! If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, medical provider, or member of the Associate Membership (CFFAM), call 755-9535 or 756-0612 for more information.