DNRC prepares for prescribed burning season
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 3 days, 4 hours AGO
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is preparing for planned burns on state trust lands and private lands over the next six months.
Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing hazardous fuel buildup and decreasing the risk of severe wildfire. The agency also uses prescribed burning to reduce slash from forest management activities and prepare sites for forest regeneration and timber production.
Unlike wildfire, prescribed fire is intentionally planned and conducted by trained personnel under specific conditions. Burn timing and ignition decisions consider factors such as weather, fuel conditions, wind, and smoke dispersion. If conditions are not appropriate, a planned burn may be postponed or canceled.
“Prescribed fire is one of the tools DNRC uses to address hazardous fuels and improve the condition of Montana’s forests and rangelands,” said Jack Rinck, DNRC prescribed fire specialist. “Each burn is planned around specific objectives and conditions, and crews monitor operations throughout the duration of the burn.”
Montanans may see or smell smoke from prescribed burns. Smoke can continue after active ignition operations have ended, particularly from pile burns. Depending on weather and terrain, smoke may even continue into the evening, settle into nearby valleys overnight, or remain visible or noticeable for several days following ignition.
The amount and duration of smoke can vary based on fuel type, weather, wind, terrain and atmospheric conditions. DNRC considers potential smoke impacts when planning prescribed burns and coordinates with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality on smoke management and air quality considerations. Individuals can visit todaysair.mtdeq.us for more information about air quality.
Not every prescribed burn planned for the upcoming months will occur. Burn windows can change based on weather, fuel moisture, smoke dispersion, and operational considerations.
Information about specific prescribed burns will be shared through DNRC social media channels on Facebook and Instagram as appropriate. Members of the public can also visit mtfireinfo.org for additional information about fire activity and preparedness in Montana.