Helena to Begin Prescribed Burns on November 1

The city will burn brush piles on Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension through April to manage forest fuel levels.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Asthma

Isometric editorial illustration of a stacked forest brush pile in a mountain clearing, representing controlled wildfire mitigation efforts. — The City of Helena will conduct prescribed brush pile burns on Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension through April 2026 to mitigate wildfire risk. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Starting November 1, 2026, the City of Helena Open Land Division will begin a series of prescribed burns across 550 acres of forest land. The project targets brush piles collected during thinning efforts over the past six years.

Why it matters

Burning these remaining brush piles helps reduce forest fuel loads, which is a critical step in maintaining long-term forest health and wildfire mitigation. By addressing this material now, the city reduces the risk of future uncontrolled fire growth in these recreation areas.

The project covers approximately 550 acres of land, processing materials gathered during forest thinning treatments performed between 2020 and 2026.

The players

City of Helena Open Land Division

This local government department is responsible for managing public lands and conducting forest maintenance activities within the city.

The details

Crews will ignite brush piles located within designated forest fuel treatment units on Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension. Officials will monitor the burning sites to maintain safety and air quality compliance throughout the duration of the project.

Forest thinning treatments occurred between 2020 and 2026.
The prescribed burning window begins on November 1, 2026.
The prescribed burning window ends on April 30, 2027.

The Big Picture

This project aligns with the National Fire Plan's hazardous fuel reduction strategy by addressing accumulated forest debris. The initiative serves as a proactive measure to manage local wildfire risks by clearing fuel loads that have built up over several years.

Residents should remain aware of potential smoke during the burning window, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities who may need to limit outdoor exposure. The city will place caution signs at trailheads on days when active burning is occurring to inform the public.

The takeaway

Residents can monitor local notices during the winter and spring for updates on when burning is active in their area. Being mindful of these dates allows citizens with respiratory conditions to plan outdoor activities on days when air quality remains stable.