The Kootenai National Forest is conducting spring prescribed fire projects when weather, fuel conditions and air quality become favorable. Each project follows a prescribed fire burn plan. The prescribed fire projects are located and designed to be controlled to reduce the potential for adverse effects. Robust scientific data shows that strategically placed prescribed fire and mechanical treatments are vital to reducing forest fuels, lowering catastrophic wildfire risks and slowing or stopping the progression of wildfires. These projects will comply with Montana air quality standards and guided by the Montana/Idaho State Airshed Group to reduce the impacts of smoke to our neighbors, cooperators and surrounding communities.  Land and fire managers may opt to cease firing operations early, on the day of ignitions, for smoke dispersal or other factors.