Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest prepares for prescribed fire

HELENA, Mont. (Oct. 5, 2022) - Fire personnel across the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (HLCNF) are preparing for fall and winter prescribed burning operations to reduce hazardous fuels, protect communities from future unwanted wildfires and improve wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning could begin as soon as this week on the Helena and Lincoln ranger districts, pending favorable conditions.

"The prescribed fires planned for this fall and winter are essential to change how wildfires will burn across our forests in the future," said Forest Supervisor Emily Platt. "Removing fuels through prescribed fire reduces wildfire intensity, creates more wildfire-resilient landscapes, and reduces wildfire risk for adjacent communities."

Prescribed burns are carefully planned and implemented in accordance with a written burn plan. Prior to implementation, local fire managers coordinate with local cooperators, counties, and partners. Prescribed burning operations will only be conducted if conditions are within a given range that has been developed for the burn plan for each specific site. Favorable conditions include correct parameters for temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and ventilation for smoke. When prescription criteria are met, fire personnel 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 and the appropriate county health departments to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities. Smoke may settle in valley bottoms and drainages overnight, but it is expected to dissipate within a few days. For updates on where we will be burning follow us on Facebook @HLCNF or Twitter @LewisandClarkNF.