New Carbon County Burn Permit System Up and Running
After a rocky January 1 launch, system is running smoothly
By Denise Rivette
After technical issues yesterday glitched the launch of Carbon County’s new burn permit system, today marks the first day of the new countywide computer-based burn permit system is up and fully functioning. In addition to the new online system, citizens are still able to obtain a burn permit in person at the Sheriff’s Office, Personal Services Building, County Administration Building in Red Lodge, Extension Office in Joliet or the Library in Bridger. The cost for a burn permit remains at $5 and needs to be purchased once each year using a debit/credit card online or cash/check at one of the above listed walk-in locations. The burn permit must be activated each day the permit-holder plans to burn.
The new system will require users to create a new account/password and a new permit number will be issued. The new burn permit system can be found at the website carboncounty.burnpermits.com.
**Dispatch will not be able to renew or create your account. They will only be able to activate existing permits.**
Carbon County Fire Warden, Tom Kohley, said while the County’s previous burn permit system successfully managed and monitored open fires in the County for nearly 10 years, the system was in need of an upgrade. Kohley states “(The fire permit system) has reduced the number of wildfire dispatches, saving countless volunteer firefighter hours while also reducing the call volume into the County’s 911 Dispatch Center. We also believe the system has reduced the number of escaped controlled burns by closing open burning in advance to unfavorable burning conditions such as high wind or low humidity.”
The new system has an improved customer interface for easier permit registration and activation; and the County is pleased to announce it is mobile device friendly. It also has a more robust notification system to alert permit holders of current burn risk level and when a complete burn ban is in effect.
Kohley added “While this new online system will require some additional effort upfront, we believe the ease of use will quickly outweigh any inconveniences with learning the new system.” For questions or help in setting up a new account, please contact Fire Warden Kohley at 406-445-7270.