Spring prescribed burns planned around Missoula
Montana-Dakotas
Western Montana DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
MISSOULA, Mont.– The Bureau of Land Management’s Missoula Field Office, in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is preparing for spring prescribed burns on about 1,000 acres in the coming weeks, as the potential for spring moisture increases.
Burns will occur when conditions allow to reduce hazardous fuels, using ground ignition with drip torches and aerial ignition by drone or helicopter. Timing of the burns depends on weather and fuel conditions.
“We will be looking at burning conditions that foster moderate to low intensity fire behavior,” said Dan Poole, Fire Management Specialist with the Missoula Field Office. “Our goal is to advance these important fuels treatment projects when weather allows.”
The planned burns will generate smoke, and some operations may last several days. Potential smoke impacts are being carefully coordinated with Missoula County and the State of Montana’s smoke and air quality managers. To track air quality, please visit the Missoula County Air Program at missoulapublichealth.org/environment/air/.
The BLM is also collaborating with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, which supports fire suppression efforts on BLM lands.
Prescribed fire is a vital tool for reducing hazardous fuels and restoring historic vegetation patterns. By removing smaller vegetation, known as “ladder fuels,” land managers create fuel breaks that can lower wildfire intensity and provide firefighters safer opportunities to manage wildfires.
For more information about the upcoming prescribed burns, call the Missoula Field Office at 406-329-3869.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.