Prescribed burn near Missoula may affect traffic, smoke
MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana Forest Consultants announced a prescribed burn was tentatively set to begin Monday, April 20, 2026, near Big Flat Road and Saddleback Lane in the Missoula area.
The firm said the burn depended on favorable conditions. It also said people across the greater Missoula area could see smoke.
According to a press release, crews planned to burn 70 acres of private land as part of the larger 250-acre Big Flat Forest Restoration Project.
Traffic could slow along Big Flat Road, Horseback Ridge Road and Saddleback Lane during the burn. No road closures were expected, but the burn area was closed to the public.
Montana Forest Consultants reported the project aimed to make forests more resistant to fire, insects and disease. The release also said the work was meant to lower wildfire risk to property in the wildland urban interface.
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