City of Helena’s Window for Prescribed Burning Starts Nov. 1

Published on October 31, 2023

HELENA, Mont. - The City of Helena’s window to conduct prescribed burning on its open lands will start Wednesday, Nov. 1. The City has a policy that allows for prescribed burning activities between Nov. 1 and April 15. All burning is weather dependent.

The City’s Open Lands division will coordinate pile burning on Mount Ascension and Mount Helena. The burning activities will involve the ignition of  brush piles located within forest fuel treatment units that total 125 acres collectively. The piles were accumulated from forest thinning work that took place from 2020 – 2023. The ignited piles will be monitored to ensure safety and air quality compliance.

The following areas will be the focus of burning this winter:

Mount Ascension
On the west face, adjacent to the After Shock, Archery Range and Entertainment Trails (Sections 6, Township 9 North, Range 3 West; Section 31 Township 10 North, Range 3 West; Section 1, Township 9 North, Range 4 West).

Mount Helena
Adjacent to the Mount Helena Ridge and McKelvey Trails (Sections 35 & 36 Township 10 North, Range 4 West).

Copies of the Prescribed Burn Policy for Helena Open Lands will be available for inspection during normal office hours by interested parties at the following offices of the City of Helena:

Parks and Recreation Department
316 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59623
Telephone (406) 447-8463

 For more information call the City’s Open Lands Manager, Brad Langsather at 406-447-8454.