Bitterroot Forest Starts Fall Burning Projects

The fall burning season for the Bitterroot National Forest will get rid of some logging slash piles and reduce some undergrowth in the woodlands of the Bitterroot Valley. Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest said the burning of about 2,200 acres could start as early as September 13, due to the weather changes and a general end of fire season. The burns will only be ignited if fuel moisture, weather conditions and air quality allow. He reminds forest users that fire danger remains "High," which will lead to extra caution in the prescribed fire projects, which are listed below.

Darby/Sula Ranger District:

Tepee Face Ecoburn, near Tepee Lookout, up the East Fork.

Pile burning along US 93, south of Sula.

Como/Horse Lick prescribed burn, south of Lost Horse and north of Como.

Downing Mountain Lodge pile burning west of Hamilton.

Trapper Bunkhouse prescribed burn southwest of Darby between Little Tin Cup and McCoy Creeks.

West Fork Ranger District:

Lower West Fork prescribed burn north of Boulder Creek, south of Baker Lake Road.

Upper Nez pile burning near Watchtower Trailhead and Flat Creeks.

School Point prescribed burn, east of Nelson Creek and Halford Creek.

Lower West Fork pile burning near Troy and Pierce Creeks.

Piquett Creek and One Creek pile burning.

Applebury board launch pile burning.

Stevensville Ranger District:

Three Saddle prescribed burn east of Stevensville on Ambrose Road #428 in the Sapphire Mountains.

McKay said these burns are planned for higher and wetter elevations, not the drier valley bottom.

He reminded everyone that campfires are allowed, but they need to be completely extinguished before you leave your camping site. Drivers, be aware of fire traffic around the burning areas this fall.

Categories: Missoula News