Big Mountain Burn
Flames fall from a Forest Service helicopter as it deploys Flash 21 onto Big Mountain while conducting a prescribed burn east of the Danny On Trail on Oct. 20. (JP Edge photo)
A Forest Service helicopter loaded with a Flash 21 canister takes off for a prescribed burn on Big Mountain on Oct. 20. (JP Edge photo)
A Forest Service airman holds a can of fire extinguisher while the helicopter is loaded with Flash 21 at Big Mountain on Oct. 20. (JP Edge photo)
Flash 21, a fire ignition gel, is loaded on to a Forest Service helicopter for a prescribed burn on Big Mountain. (JP Edge photo)
Smoke rises from Big Mountain on the day of the prescribed burn last week. (JP Edge photo)
A helicopter comes back to refuel after igniting a prescribed burn on Big Mountain. (JP Edge photo)
Last week, the Forest Service conducted a prescribed burn on Big Mountain at the tail end of the season. The burn was around 300 acres and encompassed the east side of the Whitefish Mountain Resort, east of the Danny On Trail. Due to the slope and rocky terrain in the area, the Forest Service used a chemical known as Flash 21 to ignite the flames from a helicopter. The chopper’s operation was almost entirely in the “death zone,” meaning if there was a mechanical problem there would be no time for the helicopter to evacuate (below 200 feet). The smoke and flames could also be seen from Whitefish, but the burn went according to plan with this weekend’s wet weather, as the fire was out before it could spread beyond the intended area.
