Spring burns planned on Lolo Forest

This spring, firefighters across the Lolo National Forest are preparing to conduct prescribed burning on days that maximize safety, minimize smoke impacts and restore healthy forest conditions and wildlife habitat.

“As the snow melts and access begins to open up, we will take advantage of favorable weather conditions to initiate prescribed burning operations when and where we can,” said Jeff Hayes, Fuels and Fire Planner. “Prescribed burns are carefully planned and managed to reduce wildfire risk and mimic the natural role of fire on the landscape to maintain and restore healthy forest conditions.”

Pending favorable conditions, underburning operations on up to 100 acres could begin as soon as Wednesday, March 23 in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area located three miles north of Missoula. The burn unit is located north of the junction of Spring Creek and Rattlesnake Creek above Schoolhouse Meadow. Underburning is a type of prescribed fire treatment that reduces surface and ladder fuels under the forest canopy.

At this time, no trail closures are expected to be in place. Those recreating in the area are advised to use caution and avoid areas where firefighters are directly working. Smoke may be visible from the Rattlesnake, Missoula and I-90 and is expected to dissipate to the north and east. Flames, smoke, and smoldering vegetation may be visible from the Main Rattlesnake Trail (#515) and the Spring Gulch/Stuart Peak Trails (#517) for several days after the burn. If the burn is implemented, firefighters may be present and working in the area throughout the week.

Prescribed burning in this area is part of the ongoing Marshall Woods Restoration Project which utilizes forest treatments to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health in critical areas adjacent to communities at-risk of wildfire impacts. Frequent, low-intensity fire is also essential for improving habitat conditions by promoting nutrient recycling in soil and encouraging growth of new forage for wildlife browse.

Many more acres across the Lolo National Forest are planned to receive prescribed fire in the coming months if conditions are favorable. Favorable conditions include correct temperature, wind, fuel moisture and ventilation for smoke. When these criteria are met, firefighters implement, monitor and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals.

All prescribed burns will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators and surrounding communities. Smoke is expected to be a short-duration event and may settle in valley bottoms and drainages overnight and will dissipate within a few days.

For additional information, follow the Lolo National Forest on Facebook @lolonationalforest, on Twitter at @LoloNF, or call the Missoula Ranger District at 406-329-3814.