Fire has always been an important part of the landscape in Montana. Learning to live with fire and reintroduce it to the land is critical to a safe and healthy environment and community.
Montana Prescribed Fire Council
We are a statewide organization comprised of people who advocate for the safe, effective, and ecologically appropriate use of prescribed fire in Montana. Fire plays an essential role in our ecosystems, and prescribed fire is an essential land management tool that needs to be used more in a safe, effective manner.
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What is prescribed fire?
Prescribed fire, or "Rx" fire, is the planned application of fire to achieve specific land management objectives. Rx fire is a safe and effective tool that is implemented under predetermined weather parameters in a specific location, also known as a "prescription."
If a community isn’t prepared for a prescribed fire, they aren’t ready for a wildfire when it inevitably occurs - Cindy Super, Blackfoot Challenge
Benefits of Prescribed Fire
Complete fire suppression has been attempted for over a century in the West. In some cases, suppression is absolutely necessary to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods. Trying to completely remove fire from Montana’s landscapes, however, has adversely affected our ecosystems - from our forests to our grasslands. It has led to increased tree density, fuel accumulation, fire intensity, and the spread of forest insects & diseases.
There is a better way.
Prescribed fires, or controlled burns, are fires that land managers intentionally ignite to achieve a stated management goal such as…
Whether in Montana's western forests or eastern grasslands, both are home to countless native species that depend on fire's presence. Iconic species, like ponderosa pine or sagebrush, are vulnerable to competing invasive species when fire is absent from the landscape.
Prescribed fire reduces the amount of organic material on the ground, as well as smaller diameter trees so that future fires in the area are less severe and the risk of catastrophic wildfire is reduced. Prescribed fire is often applied during the spring and fall, when risk of escape is minimal.
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Collaboration is key…
Fire is complicated, but it can work for us if we work together. Through collaboration, open communication, and continuous dialogue, the Montana Prescribed Fire Council aims to elevate understanding of fire and its traditional role in land management. The council is dedicated to connecting landowners and community members with specialists who possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively implement prescribed fire best practices. By fostering a network of informed stakeholders, we can harness fire as a tool for enhancing ecosystem resilience and promoting safety in our diverse landscapes. Engaging in these practices not only benefits individual landowners but also contributes to the greater well-being of our communities, economies, and ecosystems.
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