Nothing is more important to human survival than the air we breathe. Life without it is measured in moments. The average adult takes approximately 20,000 breaths a day, inhaling over 3,000 gallons of air and particulates. Many everyday activities such as driving our cars or dry cleaning our clothes or natural events on a larger scale, like forest fires, contribute to the pollutants in our air. These can be carried by the wind for hundreds of miles. In high enough concentrations they can harm us and our environment. Learn what you can do to preserve our air quality and protect yourself and your environment.

Outdoor Air Quality
Information about Air Stagnation and Open Burning in Lake County

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Air Quality in Montana
Monitor air quality in your area or apply for an air quality or burn permit.

Lake County Air Stagnation Plan
Air Stagnation Plan, Health Advisories & Wild Fire Smoke Under Good Dispersion Conditions.

Outdoor Sporting Events
Decision making recommendations during wildfire season based on visibility and air quality.

Open Burning in Lake County
While most people like to burn in the fall, spring is a better time according to health standards. The cooler weather in the fall causes inversions that trap air underneath them. Particles from burning then build up and are inhaled instead of dispersing.

Open Burning season on Flathead Reservation runs from Oct.1st – Nov. 30th. Call the CSKT Division of Fire at 406-676-2550 for more information and to notify the tribe of your intent to burn on Flathead Reservation.

For Minor Open Burning in Lake County, September-November you must call the following prior to ignition: MT DEQ Hotline 1-800-225-6779
Sheriff’s Dispatch: 1-406-883-7301 or your local fire department

For Minor Open Burning December-February or any Major Open Burning call:
MT DEQ 406-444-4267
Or find a request form here

Open Burning of any kind may be prohibited during fire season (May-September). Fire season may be extended depending on conditions. Call the MT DEQ Hotline for more information (1-800-225-6779).

Any Open Burning must comply with the Sate of Montana air Quality Rules set forth in A.R.M. Chapter 17.8, Subchapter 6 (link to: Open Burn ARM 17.8.6.pdf) and any other laws or requirements set forth by the State of Montana and Lake County.

**Always notify the CSKT Division of Fire, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department or your local fire department prior to ignition. Never leave a fire of any kind unattended.


Asbestos
Get information about asbestos and review the Asbestos Control Program regulations

Mold
Information about mold, indoor air quality and remediation

Radon
Learn how you can protect your family