County Reminds Residents of Winter Air Quality Rules
On Nov. 18, 2025 Lewis and Clark County Public Health’s Environmental Division reminded residents that the regulatory air quality season runs from Nov. 1 through March 1, and that local rules restrict certain wood burning during that period. The notice matters for households that rely on wood heat because the county monitors particulate matter, issues daily air quality designations, and enforces bans on open burning on poor air days.
Helena. On Nov. 18, 2025 Lewis and Clark County Public Health’s Environmental Division issued a seasonal reminder about local air quality rules and enforcement for the coming winter. The county’s regulatory air quality season runs from Nov. 1 through March 1, and during that time officials monitor particulate matter and assign each day a designation of "good," "watch" or "poor" for air quality. Those daily ratings determine when restrictions and prohibitions apply.
Under the county Clean Air Ordinance the use of wood burning devices that are not EPA certified is limited during the regulatory season. The ordinance also bans open burning on days designated as "poor" for air quality. The county enforces these rules to reduce particulate pollution that can harm people with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart conditions, and older adults, as well as to protect overall community health during winter when weather and increased indoor heating can worsen air pollution.
Enforcement under the ordinance includes exemptions for certain circumstances. Low income households may qualify for exemption, and enforcement is also set up to allow for situations where a primary heating system is temporarily inoperable. The Environmental Division emphasized those exemptions while reminding residents that the broader restrictions remain in force and apply to most wood burning devices and practices.
Officials also provided practical guidance for households that continue to use wood for heat. They urged people to burn dry, well seasoned wood and to avoid overloading stoves by using smaller loads. Proper draft management and regular chimney cleaning help combustion run more efficiently and reduce smoke. These measures lower particulate emissions and improve indoor and outdoor air quality, especially on days when the county issues a "watch" or "poor" rating.
Residents seeking more information were directed to the county air quality hotline and county resources for guidance on the ordinance, daily air designations, and how to request exemptions when eligible. For households that depend on wood heat, following the guidance and checking daily air quality ratings can help prevent violations and protect vulnerable neighbors.
With winter conditions already under way the reminder serves as a timely prompt for Lewis and Clark County residents to review their heating practices, prepare for days when open burning will be banned, and take steps to reduce particulate pollution for the health of the community.
