Fire
At just over 2 million acres, the Lolo National Forest has a diverse fire program. Operating out of five district offices (Missoula, Ninemile, Plains/Thompson Falls, Seeley Lake, and Superior), engines and crews are strategically based to provide rapid and effective fire response. Watch the Responding to Wildfires YouTube video and learn how the U.S. Forest Service fire managers respond to wildfires on National Forest System lands.
Who We Are
The Lolo national Forest is committed to the management of all aspects of wildland fire operations including initial and extended attack of wildland fires, fuels management, prescribed burning, prevention, suppression, and utilizing technology in dynamic and changing environments. Wildland fire management decisions and resource management decisions go hand in hand and are based on approved Fire Management and Land and Resource Management Plans. Natural disturbance processes are recognized and accepted as essential to the health of ecological communities at various spatial scales. Fire plays an important ecological role on the Lolo National Forest. Protection of human life is always recognized as the first priority for fire management activities. Property and resource values are the second priority, with management decisions based on values to be protected.
An average of more than 200 fires of various causes started every year since 1992. In addition, from 1985 to 2020, approximately 640,923 acres have burned on the Lolo National Forest. The typical fire season is July through September; however, fires can be expected to occur in March and continue into November. Fires can occur in any month of the year, especially with cold, dry winter conditions.
The forest fire organization includes engines and firefighters at all ranger district locations (roughly 180 identified positions) including the seasonal workforce and the fuels organization. Each Ranger District's fuels program works to plan and execute the prescribed fire and fuels management programs, with implementation assistance from fire operations personnel and others. The forest helitack supports a Type 3 and a Type 2 national helicopter hosted at the Missoula Aerial Fire Depo (28 positions). In addition, the Supervisor’s Office houses several fire specialist and support positions (12 positions). The fire management program also consists of 12 dispatch positions at the Missoula Interagency Dispatch Center. The Lolo National Forest is proud to be the home base of the Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), a highly trained and skilled group that provides a safe, organized, and mobile response to all aspects of wildland fire management, fire use, along with other forest and recreation management skills. Learn more about the Lolo Interagency Hotshot Crew here.
Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management
The Lolo National Forest uses a combination of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and the effective management of some natural ignitions to reduce fuel loads, altering vegetation patterns in areas of strategic value in ways that reduce this risk. Our specialists also work closely with State, County and other partners to coordinate efforts and meet shared priorities that often extend past land boundaries.
Fire Prevention, Education & Mitigation
The Lolo National Forest has a robust Fire Prevention, Education, and Mitigation Program learn more below.
Fire Information
Staying informed is crucial, as fire conditions can shift quickly due to weather and other influences. Check out the Lolo National Forest Fire Information Page to learn how to stay informed.
Fire Jobs
Interested in becoming a wildland firefighter? Join our firefighters who protect millions of acres of National Forest System lands.