Fire in the Root Council offers reduced-smoke debris burning workshop in Hamilton

Spring in the Bitterroot Valley often means yard work, slash piles and the return of smoke drifting through our neighborhoods.

While fire is an effective tool for managing debris, how and when we burn matters — for personal safety, for our neighbors’ health and for reducing wildfire risk across our community.

Fire in the Root Council and local partners are hosting a free reduced-smoke debris burning workshop at the Hamilton Fire Department, 247 Foxfield St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. The workshop aims to “support safe burning practices,” according to a statement released by the Fire in the Root Council.

The workshop will feature Dr. Peter Kolb, MSU Extension Forestry Specialist, who will share practical guidance on constructing efficient debris piles, burning safely, reading weather conditions and choosing the right timing to minimize smoke production. His presentation will blend science with real-world application, helping residents feel confident planning their own fuel reduction projects, the Fire in the Root Council.

After a complimentary lunch, attendees will travel to a nearby property for live burn demonstrations. Because safe equipment use is a foundational step in this process, there will be an on-site chainsaw safety session offering hands-on instruction and practical reminders before the burn. Participants will experience firsthand how different pile construction methods affect smoke output and burn efficiency.

“This workshop is about more than burning debris piles — it’s about neighbors looking out for one another and building a more fire-adapted, resilient community together,” according to the Fire in the Root Council.

The event is free and open to the public.

Please RSVP by April12 through the event link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.fireintheroot.org__;!!LvYzicI!npQmI8C2OrNFHitnC4O0u7PzQsw0wacKxVTX96vnUmrFmZLehu5jjp1Mte4ZtjdgfwH2M5IVIspe58ftvE2R3qDq13zS$

For additional information, contact Fire in the Root Council at fireintheroot@gmail.com or call 406-802-0980. A reminder email will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.