BLM to conduct controlled burns of slash piles through March 2025
Butte, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Butte Field Office will conduct controlled burns of slash piles from Dec. 3, 2024, through March 2025. These burns will take place in Beaverhead, Broadwater, Silver Bow and Lewis and Clark Counties, specifically in areas near Wise River, Townsend, Helena, and Marysville, Montana.
"Removing dead and downed trees and burning slash piles is essential to reducing fuel loading, improving forestry health and protecting nearby communities,” said Greg Campbell, Butte Field Office fuels management specialist.
The designated burn areas include:
- Jerry Creek, Tie Creek and Calvert Loop area near Wise River
- Ottawa Gulch, and Lost Horse Gulch near Marysville
- Rader Creek Off-Highway Vehicle area near Townsend
- Nelson Gulch/Mount Helena area west of Helena
The timing of these prescribed burns is contingent upon favorable weather and fuel conditions. The BLM will conduct these burns when the ground is snow-covered or when surrounding fuels are sufficiently wet to minimize the risk of unwanted fire spread. Burning will only proceed when weather conditions and forecasts indicate adequate smoke dispersion.
BLM fire managers will oversee the burns to ensure safety and effectiveness.
For further inquiries, please contact the Butte Field Office at 406-533-7600.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.