If you see smoke in the air to the northeast of Boise – it doesn’t mean forest fire season has gotten an early start.

Instead, forest managers are set to do a pair of prescribed burns. The idea is to “reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires to nearby communities and natural resources,” Boise National Forest managers said.
First, Crews will set fire to 173 acres in the Mores Creek area, about four miles east of Idaho City along Rabbit Creek Rd. on Tuesday.

Next, they’ll tackle an area eight miles southwest of Idaho City, near the intersection of Grimes and Clear Creeks. This time, they’ll burn 250 acres starting May 1.
In both cases, the burn operation will take one to two days, with another week or so where they monitor and make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

Boise National Forest folks say they try to pick times where the smoke won’t have a major impact — and also note that the dates could change if conditions warrant.
(Photo: Courtesy National Park Service)