State officials are encouraging Flathead Valley residents to take care of any debris burning before Sunday.
On July 1, no debris burning is allowed in Flathead and Northern Lake Counties.
Montana’s Department of Natural Resources says that each summer more than 70 percent of wildfires in the Flathead are caused by human activity, with top causes being escaped and illegal debris burns.
Debris burning is not allowed in July, August, and September due to the increased fire danger during Montana’s fire season. Open burning will begin again October 1 as conditions allow.
The DNRC is also encouraging residents to prevent fires by pruning lower branches, removing ladder fuels, and cleaning out rain gutters. They recommend raking any leaves or needles from around homes and under porches or decks to create a three to five-foot noncombustible perimeter.
