A prescribed burn near Ovando escaped control on Monday, expanding significantly to become the Nevada Lake Fire. Initially set to cover 65 acres, the blaze now spans over 200 acres between Powell and Lewis and Clark counties. InciWeb, managed by the Forest Service, noted, “attempts to control ‘slopover’ were unsuccessful.” The burn was planned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, alongside the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Blackfoot Challenge, a community conservation group. The fire’s growth stabilized since early in the week.
Montana’s landscapes have been influenced by fire over millennia, with prescribed burns being a modern technique to manage vegetation. Purposeful fire clears ground fuel and differs from forest thinning, which involves clearing forest fuel manually or with machines.
Prescribed burns offer a cost-effective alternative to forest thinning but have faced scrutiny since colonial times when Indigenous practices were observed. This strategy became part of the United States’ forest management in the late 20th century, aiming to lessen wildfire risks through controlled burns.
Robbie Magnan, director of the Fort Peck Tribes’ Fish and Wildlife Department, supports prescribed burning for sustainable agriculture, ecological health and fire prevention. “It’s a very good tool if it’s used right,” Magnan explained. These burns depend extensively on weather conditions. Federal and state agencies ignite them only when wind, heat, and humidity meet safety criteria.
Following early-September rains, agencies planned burns statewide for early fall. However, hot, dry fall weather led to cancellations, per Anna Bateson from Lolo National Forest.
Chiara Cipriano from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest remarked that escaped prescribed fires are rare, with a 99.84% success rate. Erik Peterson, a former wildland firefighter and rancher, highlighted that prescribed fires are essential but require careful weather monitoring and adaptation to conditions.
Erin Linebarger, CEO of Robotics 88, introduces drones for planning and monitoring prescribed burns. These drones aid by collecting data, offering real-time updates, and generating a comprehensive post-burn analysis.
Due to prolonged dry spells, pile burning is favored over broadcast burns. Pile burning can extend into winter, providing a safer option during snowy conditions. Linebarger anticipates a winter break in her work, focusing instead on promoting her technology, which supports safe and effective prescribed burning practices.
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