The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has scheduled a prescribed burn in the Bear Gulch area of the Helena Ranger District for September 16 and 17, weather permitting. The burn is part of the forest's ongoing fuel reduction work aimed at reducing wildfire risk in areas near Helena.
Residents in the south Helena foothills area may see and smell smoke during the burn. The Forest Service conducts prescribed burns during windows when wind, humidity, and temperature conditions allow fire to be managed safely while still achieving the fuel reduction goals. If conditions don't cooperate on those dates, the burn could be postponed.
Bear Gulch is a popular recreation corridor for Helena hikers and mountain bikers. The Forest Service advises that some trails in the burn area may be temporarily closed during and immediately after the operation. Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to monitor air quality during burn days.