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October 11, 2023 Prescribed Fire Update
Lolo National Forest Prescribed Fire Operations
Publication Type: Announcement 10/12/2023
Yesterday was a successful day of prescribed fire operations (pile burning) across the forest, work will continue today. Burning piles reduces hazardous fuels and contributes to the implementation of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Missoula Ranger District: Firefighters will conduct up to 25 acres of hand pile burning located north of Pattee Canyon Picnic area in Pattee Canyon. Smoke may be visible from the Missoula, Bonner, and parts of the I-90 corridor.
Ninemile Ranger District: Firefighters will conduct up to 20 acres of hand pile burning located 4 miles west of the Ninemile district office. Smoke may be visible from the Ninemile Valley, Alberton and Interstate 90.
Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District: Firefighters will be burning several piles around the Plains and Thompson Falls District Office and one large pile located two miles northwest of Plains. Smoke may be visible from Plains and Thompson Falls.
Superior Ranger District: The 30-acre pile burn will occur 10 miles east of Superior. Smoke may be visible from Superior, Alberton, Ninemile, and I-90.
Pile burning is commonly used to mitigate wildfire risk in areas where broadcast burning may not be feasible, such as adjacent to communities or private lands. Piles are made from the residual woody debris often left after a mechanical thinning treatment and can range in size from small hand stacked piles to large piles created with mechanical equipment. Piles are typically burned in fall, winter, or early spring after the piles have dried out and conditions allow, reducing the damage to the remaining trees and confining the majority of fire to the footprint of the pile.
