Smoke was visible Thursday in the Flathead Valley as the Flathead National Forest carries out fall prescribed burns.

According to a notice posted on the forest’s website, conditions are now ideal for these projects, which aim to reduce the fire fuel load.

One project involves broadcast and under-burning in the Blacktail Mountain area. A second project will burn wood piles left behind by logging, trail and road construction, and other activities. Both will comply with Montana air quality standards and are coordinated with the state Department of Environmental Quality to reduce the impact from smoke.

For additional information about these projects, contact the Swan Lake Ranger District in Bigfork at 406-837-7500.

Reporter Patrick Reilly can be reached at preilly@dailyinterlake.com, or at (406)758-4407.