Single Publication

Fire officials on the Lolo National Forest may implement prescribed fire operations today and tomorrow, as weather and fuels conditions allow. 

April 24

Superior Ranger District: Firefighters will burn up to 10 acres in the Second Chance project area, 4.6 miles north of Lozeau in the Fish Creek drainage on Forest Service Road 7893 (see map below).  Minimal smoke impacts are anticipated; however, smoke may be visible from Interstate 90 in the Lozeau area.

 April 25

Missoula Ranger District: The Missoula Ranger Districts plans to burn up to 43 acres on the Blue Mountain Unit 60, adjacent to Forest Service Road 365 and Blue Mountain Road (see map). This understory prescribed burn is part of the Wildfire Adapted Missoula project.  

The prescribed burn objective is to reduce hazardous fuels by helping to reduce the risk of severe, wildfires and provide long-term ecosystem health, and help improve wildlife habitat and native plant regeneration.

All burning will be weather and fuel condition dependent. If ignition takes place, there is potential the burning could limit public access in these areas. For public safety, recreationists are asked to be aware of fire crews and vehicles in all prescribed fire areas. Prescribed fire signs will be posted near Maclay Flats on Blue Mountain Road, at the junction of Blue Mountain Road and the locked gate at Forest Service Road 365, and at the Blue Mountain trailhead. 

Please avoid traveling in proposed prescribed burn units as well as trails and roads directly adjacent to the units. Please exercise caution as roads and trails could be temporarily impacted by low intensity fire and smoke. Smoke may be visible from Highway 93, Blue Mountain, and surrounding area. 

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District: Firefighters plan to conduct up to 85 acres of understory burning on the 2 Short units 6 miles west of Thompson Falls.  Smoke may be visible from Thompson Falls.