State Fire Restrictions Map: Visit www.MTFireInfo.org to stay updated on on current fire restriction information across Montana.

Cascade County: visit Cascade County Burn Permit and Notification Service for current burning status.

City of Great Falls: visit https://greatfallsmt.net/fire for local information.

Stage Two Restrictions are in Effect as of July 16, 2021

Under Stage One Restrictions:
1. Open burning is prohibited.
2. Campfires are allowed ONLY in a developed recreation site or improved site where developed campfire rings are provided.
3. Smoking is permitted ONLY within an enclosed vehicle, inside a building, or in an area where at least three feet in diameter is cleared of all flammable materials.
4. Campers are ONLY allowed to cook using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels and can be turned on and off.
5. All Fireworks are prohibited. All exploding targets (available for sale to recreational shooters) are also considered a pyrotechnic product and are also prohibited.
6. Persons using charcoal briquettes are allowed ONLY on private property in a “backyard” barbeque located in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Burning refuse in barrels is also prohibited.

Download Wildfire Smoke Health Risks & Guidance

If you are experiencing medical problems for any reason, seek medical treatment immediately.  

Many factors determine whether someone will experience smoke-related health problems. Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. Inhaling smoke can cause coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes and runny nose. 

All persons in areas affected by wildfire smoke are advised to limit outdoor activity; staying indoors whenever possible is the best way to limit your exposure.  Further minimize your exposure by using air conditioners that utilize mechanical air cleaners and by keeping your house windows closed. If you do not have an air conditioner, and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek alternative shelter by visiting family members or neighbors who have air conditioning. You may also be able to visit an air conditioned location, such as a mall, for a few hours. Avoid using wood burning stoves, burning candles or incense, vacuuming or smoking tobacco. When traveling, ensure car windows are closed.    

Do not rely on masks for full protection as masks only filter particles, not toxic gases or vapors. Dust masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from small particles found in wildfire smoke. Cloth masks such as wet towels or bandanas are difficult to seal to the face, and their capacity to filter very small particles is unknown since material quality varies.

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. It is measured via the Air Quality Index (AQI) values which ranges from 0 to 500; generally any value below 100 is satisfactory. An AQI value over 100 is considered unhealthy for certain individuals, but risk rises for all with increasing AQI values. The table below shows the full range and levels of health concern. Daily updates can be found here: https://airnow.gov/