Fire Danger Moved to Low
Posted on October 29, 2026
Due to extended cooler weather and precipitation, fire professionals in Missoula County have lowered fire danger to low. When fire danger is low, fuels do not ignite readily from small embers. However, fires can still ignite from more intense heat sources and especially on sunny, windy, days in tall grass. Fire managers would like to re-iterate that LOW fire danger is not NO fire danger.
If you are building a warming fire while hunting, follow these safety tips:
- Keep the fire away from vegetation
- Keep the fire small
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Drown your fire until it's cool to the touch.
“As we continue to see cooler temperatures and more moisture, we would like to remind hunters and recreators to continue to be vigilant with their campfires,” says Jack Kuney Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator with the Montana DNRC Missoula Unit. “Make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area. Escaped warming fires are one of the leading causes of wildfires this time of year. Do your part to make sure our communities and forests stay safe.”
The only burning currently allowed in Missoula County is for essential agriculture and prescribed wildland—and that is by permit only. Permits may be obtained and activated online.
Be aware, the essential agriculture burning season closes on Oct. 31, 2026 and the prescribed wildland burning season closes on Nov. 30, 2026. General Burning Season (burning of yard debris/untreated vegetative waste generated onsite) is closed until March 1, 2027. Inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone, it is illegal to burn piles of leaves and grass year-round.
Click here for more information or visit MCFPA.org for more information on outdoor burning seasons, permits and fire prevention.