NBC Montana has been following the abnormally dry conditions the state has been facing following below average snowpack conditions.
This has opened Montana’s window for controlled burns. Managing fires is a part of living in Montana and prescribed burns are one way to control them.
“Just the reality of, in Montana we need to live with fire,” said Julia Berkey, Montana DNRC Community Preparedness & Wildfire Prevention Program Manager.
Berkey’s mission is to educate the public on how they can be prepared for those inevitable fires.
“You know, having your home ready for wildfire, having a smoke readiness plan and having an evacuation plan,” Berkey said.
Berkey is a driving force behind the formation of a Montana Prescribed Burn Council.