The Lewis & Clark Sheriff’s Office has closed open burning in the county.
The closing of open burning only refers to organic debris piles 48 inches in diameter or larger. Typically for burns of this size or larger, you need a permit. The Sheriff’s Office has closed these permits.
Sheriff Leo Dutton says hot temperatures and drying vegetation is the primary reason for closing permit burning.
"We're looking at this as a proactive stance of not having a big wildfire,” says Sheriff Leo Dutton. “It is getting dry, it's going to be hot. The moisture content of the vegetation would lend itself to a quick spread of the fire."
Recreational campfires are still okay. The Sheriff’s Office still recommends following all safety precautions to mitigate fire risks.
As of July 22nd, 2020, there isn’t an official date to reopen the burning permits.
