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March 24, 2022 Prescribed Fire Update
Mill Lake Fire
Publication Type: Announcement 03/25/2022
Weather permitting, Bitterroot National Forest firefighters are planning to conduct underburning operations today north of Lake Como. 25 acres are scheduled and ignition time is 1pm. 13 firefighters and two engines are assigned to the burn. Smoke will likely be visible north of Lake Como and South of Lost Horse.
Underburning ignites vegetation under the forest canopy to reduce hazardous fuels. Prescribed burning operations will only be implemented if conditions are favorable. Those 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 including air quality.
Thank you local communities and public for your support! Fire officials say smoke now is a much better alternative for the forest and our communities than smoke from an uncontrolled summer wildfire. Periodic prescribed burns prevent heavy fuel accumulation that would send a large amount of smoke into the air should a wildfire occur.
For more information about prescribed fire planned on the forest this spring, or to see maps and photos of treatment areas visit the maps and photos tab.
Maps:
Interactive Planned Prescribed Fire Map
Prescribed Burn Unit Maps (PDFs)