Cascade County Lifts Burn Ban After Brief Storm

Dry conditions raised wildfire concerns, but a quick storm led officials to reopen open burning permits.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Cascade County officials implemented a temporary burn ban due to extremely dry conditions that raised wildfire risks. However, after a brief storm brought some moisture to the area, the county reversed course and reopened open burning permits just a few days later, causing some confusion among residents.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a major concern in Cascade County and across Montana during dry periods, so officials must balance public safety with allowing residents to conduct open burns. The back-and-forth on the burn ban highlights the challenges of managing these risks in a changing climate.

The details

Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services announced a ban on open burning within the county on February 6, 2026, citing increased wildfire danger due to extremely dry conditions. However, just a few days later on February 9, the county reversed course and reopened open burning permits after a quick storm brought some moisture to the area, causing confusion among residents.

  • The burn ban went into effect on February 6, 2026 at 9:35am.
  • The burn ban was lifted on February 9, 2026.

The players

Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services

The county agency responsible for managing emergency response and preparedness, including wildfire prevention.

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What they’re saying

“It was easy to understand why the County chose to close off open burns; it really is that dry out there.”

— CHellyar (k99hits.com)

What’s next

Cascade County officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and wildfire risks, and may reinstate the burn ban if dry conditions persist.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance officials must strike between public safety and allowing residents to conduct open burns, especially in fire-prone regions like Cascade County. Rapid changes in weather patterns can quickly shift the risk landscape, requiring nimble decision-making.