Single Publication

Bozeman, MT September 29, 2024 - Forest Service fire crews plan to conduct a prescribed burn the week of September 30th – October 4th in Hyalite Canyon, approximately one mile west of Langohr campground. Crews will also focus on prescribed burns in the North Bridgers, near the South Fork Brackett Creek area and near the Lower Fairy Lake Road. Burning may occur as early as October 2, 2024, and will continue as conditions permit. 

“Implementing prescribed burns are an essential part in meeting the goals of the Municipal Watershed Project and the N. Bridger Forest Health Project” said Bozeman District Ranger, Corey Lewellen. “We don’t take the use of prescribed fire lightly and we have a very strategic burn plan, with built in contingencies, to successfully conduct our operations.”

Hyalite Area

In Hyalite Canyon, fire managers expect to conduct prescribed burning on 116 acres within the Bozeman Municipal Watershed, BMW Unit 19, off the Langohr Road. Expect closures on the Langohr Road (#6230) and on nearby trails. Langohr Campground will also be closed beginning Monday, September 30th, through the duration of burning activities. This prescribed burn aims to reduce fuel loads and lower the risk of high severity wildland fires in the Bozeman Municipal Watershed.

The prescribed burn is anticipated to last between one and three days. During operations, smoke and flames may be visible and smoke is expected to settle in low-lying areas near the burn overnight. Air quality is a key factor considered by land and fire managers during every phase of the prescribed fire and burning is only permitted when weather conditions are suitable for safe operations. Fire officials collaborate with the National Weather Service to ensure that the weather is favorable before, during, and after burning, as well as with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure smoke dispersal opportunities. 

Hyalite Canyon traffic has only one way in and one way out. To ensure safety during operations, delays may occur as crews utilize Hyalite Canyon Road. Please exercise caution if traveling in the area as roadways may be impacted by smoke and fire traffic.

South Fork Brackett Creek and Lower Fairy Lake Road

Fire managers also expect to conduct prescribed burning on 34 acres in the North Bridgers Forest Health project area located near the South Fork Brackett Creek (North Bridgers Unit 51) and on 18 acres near Lower Fairy Lake Road (North Bridgers Unit 13). Closures may be put in place on the South Brackett Road (#631) to Ross Pass trailhead, nearby trails (#525, #539, and #551), on the Fairy Lake Road (#74), and nearby trails (#500, #527, and #540). Loggers loop, which begins in Crosscut, will also be closed at the forest boundary. The prescribed burns are anticipated to last between one and three days.

For additional information on these prescribed burns or how current closures could impact your visit to the forest, please visit us online at www.bznwatershed.com, on Facebook at Custer Gallatin National Forest, on Inciweb at 2024 Custer Gallatin National Forest Prescribed Fire Program or by calling the Bozeman Ranger District office at 406-522-2520. For additional information on the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy, please see Confronting the Wildfire Crisis | US Forest Service (usda.gov).