HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – A burn ban went into effect Friday morning in Hill County as a result of the hot, dry weather in the region. A press release says that a burn ban prohibits open burning and prohibits fire districts from issuing burn permits. Bur permits previously issued cannot be activated during a burn ban.
Open burning refers to burning outside in the open air. It is defined as a fire where any material is burned on the ground or in an open receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney. This can include yard debris, brush, and construction debris.
Exceptions to the burn ban include recreation camp fires in established fire pits or commercial fire rings. Recreational campfires must be attended at all times.
Hill County Commissioners urge the public to take some fire safety precautions, like ensuring you have the means to extinguish a campfire quickly, be aware of the current wind and weather conditions, avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall, dry grass, make sure safety chains on trailers are not dragging and creating sparks, dispose of smoking materials properly, and make sure all mechanical outdoor equipment are equipped with properly working mufflers, spark arresters, and bearings.
