When Your Montana Neighbor's Smoke Becomes a Legal Problem: Navigating Nuisance Law Montana, with its vast open spaces and appreciation for the outdoors, often conjures images of tranquil living. Yet, even in the Big Sky Country, a neighbor's smoke, whether from a beloved barbecue, a backyard fire pit, or a wood-burning stove, can quickly transform a pleasant evening into a frustrating legal quagmire. When the aroma of grilling turns into an acrid pall, or a cozy fire's smoke consistently invades your property, it crosses the line from a minor annoyance to a potential legal nuisance. Understanding your rights and the legal avenues available in Montana is crucial. Understanding Nuisance Law in Montana At the heart of neighbor disputes involving smoke is the legal concept of "nuisance." In Montana, a nuisance is broadly defined under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 27, Chapter 30 . Specifically, MCA 27-30-101 defines a nuisance as: ...