Prescribed burns are taking place

Prescribed fire activities have been taking place on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests as part of the USDA Forest Service’s natural resources management program.

Conditions for successful operations are carefully tracked, and if weather, fuel moisture, and smoke dispersion are conducive, prescribed fire activities may occur this time of year. Desired prescribed fire objectives are most achievable with more summer-like conditions within these high elevation areas, especially during this year’s moderate fire season.

Areas described as backcountry managements areas in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Land Management Plan require treatment in order to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and to establish and maintain a resilient forest structure. Fire serves the primary vegetation management tool in the backcountry. Approximately 92 percent of backcountry management areas are within inventoried roadless areas, which are not suitable for timber harvest, making prescribed fire the best option to improve forest conditions.

Fire managers aim to increase forest diversity by applying prescribed fire and have worked in conjunction with wildlife management organizations to achieve these goals.

There are several backcountry project areas identified on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Information, including maps, photos, area closures, and ignitions announcements, will be available by searching “IPNF Backcountry Prescribed Fire 2019” on InciWeb. Closures may be put in place to ensure the safety of the public during operations and while fire behavior poses a hazard. Sportsmen and recreators are encouraged to research and consider the safety and conditions of an area when planning a trip.

Information: Idaho Panhandle National Forests Fire Information Line, 208-557-8813