Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100

NEWS RELEASE
__________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay
Public Affairs Officer
(406) 363-7122
(406) 531-1130 - CELL
tgmckay@fs.fed.us
October 19, 2010

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED TODAY NEAR DARBY

Hamilton, MT – The Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest is planning, weather permitting, to
carry out a 78 acre prescribed burn today. A test fire will be conducted this morning to see if burning
conditions will meet objectives. The burn is scheduled to begin around 1:00 p.m. along the 716 road west of
Grouse Butte and north of Chaffin Creek.

The prescribed burn has numerous objectives including:

 Maintain forest health and ecosystem restoration
 Improve wildlife habitat – many plants respond favorably to fire providing new food sprouts for
wildlife.
 Reduce the potential of large, high intensity wildfire by reducing the amount of downed fuel to burn.
 Post harvest slash treatment – reduce residual slash created by personal use firewood cutting and
prepare sites for new tree regeneration.
 Promote favorable conditions and habitat for deer and elk forage.

Resources assigned to the burn include 16 firefighters and 3 engines. The public and recreationalists traveling
on Chaffin Creek Road may experience minor delays and smoke may be visible in the area for the next several
days. Drivers are asked to use caution when driving near areas where burn crews are working. Smoke may be
visible also to homeowners near Chaffin Creek, Grouse Butte Lane, Tin Cup and Bunkhouse Road areas.

Today’s burn is just the first of several prescribed burns planned this fall on the Bitterroot National Forest.
To view a map of the proposed burns by district visit www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot. The prescribed fire program
will last through November, 30th. For more information on the Chaffin burn contact Jacquie Parks, Fuels
Specialist at the Darby Ranger District (406) 821-3913 or Tod McKay (406) 363-7122.

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