View the full air Pollution Ordinance Here – Revision: May 10, 2017 (PDF)
Burn Schedule & Permits
Lincoln County burning regulations, particularly within the Libby Outdoor Burn Control Area (LOBCA), are in place to reduce fire risk and protect air quality. The topography of Libby results in near-constant temperature inversions—a phenomenon where a layer of warm air overlays cooler air, acting as a cap that traps air pollution and smoke close to the ground. These inversions are especially prevalent during the winter months.
Unsure if you are inside the district? View the full-size Libby Outdoor Burn Control Area Map.
Please review the burning schedules and permit requirements below before starting any outdoor burn.
Inside the Libby Outdoor Burn Control Area (LOBCA)
- April: Residential and Management Burning
- May: Management Burns Only
- June – October: BURN SEASON CLOSED. No residential burning.
- November – March: BURN SEASON CLOSED. No burning due to winter air quality concerns and inversions.
Outside the Libby Outdoor burn Control Area (LOBCA)
- March – June (Spring): Contact your local USFS or DNRC Agency.
- July – September (Summer): FIRE SEASON. No debris burning.
- October – November (Fall): Fall Burning Season. Check the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-225-6779.
Who Issues Your Permit?
Inside the LOBCA
- Residential Burns: Permitted via the County’s online portal.
- Management Burns (Inside Rural Fire District): Permitted by Rural Fire District 1 Chief Steve Lauer. Final approval for all burns inside the LOBCA is given by the County Air Quality Specialist, and only when daily air quality conditions are favorable.
- Management Burns (Outside Rural Fire District): Permitted by County Forester Jennifer Nelson. Final approval for all burns inside the LOBCA is given by the County Air Quality Specialist, and only when daily air quality conditions are favorable.
Outside the LOBCA
- Residential Burns: Permitted via the County’s online portal.
- Management Burns: Permitted by DEQ, USFS, and/or DNRC depending on location and time of year. Contact your local ranger district (Three Rivers, Troy, Rexford, Fortine, Eureka, or Libby District/DNRC).
Free At-Home Testing Kits & Equipment
The Lincoln County Health Department offers free at-home testing kits and loaner equipment to help residents monitor and improve the safety of their indoor air.
Mold Testing:
Courtesy of funding from the Livability, Opportunity and Responsibility (LOR) Foundation, the Lincoln County Health Department has secured a number of at-home mold testing kits and air purifiers specifically designed to filter out airborne mold. Stop by the Lincoln County Annex building (located at 418 Mineral Avenue, Libby) to pick up a free mold test kit or temporarily check-out an air filter.
Radon Test Kits:
Radon is an invisible and naturally occurring, odorless gas that fluctuates daily, building up in basements, walls and well water. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and claims approximately 6 times more lives than house fires and carbon monoxide combined. The Lincoln county annex building (located at 418 Mineral Ave, Libby) has several digital radon detectors available for temporary checkout.
Woodstoves
The Lincoln County Health Department provides resources for safe wood-burning practices and assistance programs for residents. Please see the documents section below to access our Burnwise tips or to submit a Stove Registration and Heater Loan Application.
Air Quality Complaints
If you have a complaint regarding air quality or an illegal burn, please contact the Health Department at 406-283-2442.
