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The Lolo National Forest, along with their interagency partners and neighbors, is preparing to implement fall prescribed fire projects across the forest. Prescribed fire is part of the Forest’s annual fire management program to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife forage, and create conditions which minimize impacts from future wildfires around our communities.

Weather and conditions permitting, prescribed burns may occur this month and continue through November. Planned prescribed fire operations include aerial and hand ignitions on up to 2,000 acres of underburning and pile burning in 12 project areas throughout the Lolo National Forest. 

Some of these prescribed fires are supported through partnerships with Montana DNRC, The Nature Conservancy, Missoula and Frenchtown Rural Fire Departments, Bureau of Land Management, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Upland Game Bird Enhancement Group. 

“Partners increase our capacity to utilize prescribed fire as a management tool and promote restoration of the forest landscape,” said Jeff Hayes, Lolo National Forest Fuels Specialist.

Public and firefighter safety is the top priority in all prescribed fire operations. Fire managers develop burn plans accounting for safety, specific fuel and weather prescriptions, and smoke management. Prior to implementation, local fire managers coordinate with local cooperators, counties, and partners.  All prescribed burns are closely evaluated and are only approved when favorable conditions are present.

All prescribed fires will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the appropriate county health departments to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities. For additional information on air quality, smoke management, and forecasts, see https://mi.airshedgroup.org/.

For additional information about the status of prescribed fire projects follow the Lolo National Forest on Facebook or visit InciWeb.  If you have questions additional questions, please contact the Lolo National Forest Fire Information Line: 406-560-5638.