Answering frequently asked questions about outdoor burning

This past winter and fall we measured more smoke at the Seeley Lake air quality monitor than we have for several years. Since Oct. 1, there have been 11 days when smoke pollution exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. While smoke from wood stoves continues to be the primary driver of smoke pollution in the area, there were four days during the fall outdoor burning season in which smoke from outdoor burns likely contributed to poor air quality.

With outdoor burning opening on March 1st, we wanted to take this opportunity to answer some questions we encounter about Missoula’s outdoo...