Firefighters Gather in Montana for Prescribed Burn Training
POTOMAC — Firefighters from across Montana convened in the Blackfoot Valley for specialized training on prescribed burns, aligning with Wildfire Awareness Month. This initiative underscores the critical importance of fire management as the state faces an escalating wildfire crisis.
Mike Schaedel, the Forest Restoration & Partnership Manager at The Nature Conservancy, observed increasing trends in wildfire size, intensity, and frequency, noting that “ironically, one of the best tools we have to decrease the intensity and size of wildfires is fire itself.” Controlled burns are strategically employed to mitigate fuel buildup, enhancing forest health in ecosystems like the Ponderosa pine.
The Blackfoot Valley Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) brought together federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations for two weeks of hands-on education. Participants engaged in learning the intricacies of controlled burning, fostering valuable collaborations among diverse groups.
Cindy Super, the Blackfoot Challenge Forestry & Prescribed Fire Coordinator, highlighted the encouraging response, with some discovering a passion for fire management. This marks Montana’s inaugural TREX event, setting a foundation for future training opportunities. As Schaedel stated, “It’s about building those relationships,” essential for navigating future wildfire challenges.
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