MISSOULA – Some prescribed burning has been kicking up smoke in the Missoula area.
Smoke could be seen on Monday from a burn just west of Missoula within the Blue Mountain Recreation Area. Missoula Ranger District officials say the prescribed burn is approximately 80 acres near the McClay Flat Trailhead.
The burn is aimed at reintroducing low-intensity surface fire to the area, reduce surface fuel concentrations, promote Ponderosa pine regeneration and rejuvenate forest floor vegetation.
Another planned prescribed burn is located north of Missoula in the Rattlesnake drainage adjacent to the Sawmill Road where approximately 125 acres will be burned next to the main Rattlesnake Trailhead.
The third prescribed burn will take place in the Cooper Creek drainage southwest of Missoula off of U.S. Highway 12 where 29 will be burned.
Forest officials note that smoke from the burns will be visible from Interstate 90, Highway 93, Highway 12 and the greater Missoula Valley.
