Officials say some forests around the Missoula area are rated moderate to high for wildfire hazard. That’s why they’re coming up with an updated environmental assessment for the Wildfire Adapted Missoula Plan to reduce the risk in local communities.
“One of the most important things to mention in this project is about prescribed fire,” said Missoula District ranger Jennifer Hensiek. “It’s a huge portion of this project and an essential tool in reducing hazard and risk for Missoula area communities.”
In high-risk areas, there’s dense vegetation and dead trees. Experts call that fuel accumulation. It could make wildfires grow fast and far.
They’re proposing vegetation treatments, like thinning trees and prescribed burning, mechanized treatments, which involve heavy machinery and nonmechanized treatments that can be done by hand.