| The Ravalli County Commissioners have approved the closure of outdoor debris burning in Ravalli County, effective at 12:01 am on Wednesday, July 31. This action was in response to expected hot and dry conditions, increasing fire danger, and deployment of local firefighting resources to other incidents out of the area. During the closure, the Burn Permit System will also be shut down and will not allow activations of burn permits. Local fire officials and emergency managers are asking for support in preventing human caused fires as we transition to a period of high fire danger, and are requesting that our community voluntarily refrain from any outdoor debris burning in the period leading up to the July 31 burning closure. Campfires up to 48 inches will continue to be allowed, as long as the campfire is fully attended and completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the area of the fire. |
| Keep in mind the following fire prevention tips: |
| Avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall, dry grass. Exhaust systems and catalytic converters easily start fires. |
| Make sure safety chains on trailers or other equipment do not drag, causing sparks. |
| Dispose of smoking materials properly. In a vehicle, use the ashtray; outside, crush smoking materials and matches dead out on bare ground larger than 3 feet in diameter. |
| Make sure all mechanical outdoor equipment (tractors, chainsaws, off-road vehicles, |
| etc.) are equipped with properly-working mufflers, spark arresters, and bearings. |