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The Butte Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest may implement prescribed fire operations in the Red Rocks project area this weekend, as weather and fuels conditions allow. 

🔥 The Red Rocks project area is located two miles northwest of the Bernice exit off Interstate 15, north of Butte. Firefighters plan to ignite the fuels (grass, shrub, and slash from previous treatments) this weekend, if weather conditions are favorable. The project unit is approximately 300 acres in size. Firefighters will be on-site, patrolling the project area until the burning operation is complete and called out.

Smoke may be visible through the Interstate 15 corridor in the Bernice, Basin, and Boulder areas. Smoke should disperse following ignition but may settle along drainages and in lower elevations in the overnight hours. The prescribed fire will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the appropriate county health departments to minimize the impacts of smoke.

Prescribed fire activity is highly weather dependent, relying on close coordination with the National Weather Service and other specialists. Fire officials will closely monitor the weather, making sure conditions are favorable to meet project objectives and safety guidelines. Prescribed fires are carefully planned and conducted in accordance with a written burn plan. Prior to implementation, Forest fire managers coordinate with local cooperators, county officials, and interagency partners. 

For updates or more information, contact the Butte Ranger District at (406) 494-2147 or the Forest Fire Public Information Officer at (406) 683-3920.