In Montana, wildfire is an essential part of the ecology and environment.  With significant seasonal cold, and the limited moisture of the high mountain deserts that dominate SW Montana, vegetation doesn’t rot or degrade at the same rate that it grows.  That process of rot is essentially replaced by wildfires, naturally occurring oxidization processes that return the nutrients and elements to the forest, allowing new and fresh growth. The plants and animals of Montana DEPEND on wildfires to burn through and facilitate the nutrient return to the soils.

The problem is, we took fire from the environment.  Our human tendency to put out naturally occurring fires has led to a very unhealthy increase in fuel loading and diseased trees in the forests around Montana.  The results of this mistake are profound, and the terrible wildfires we face now are related to us not understanding the role of fire.

The same principals apply to the land we live and work on.  Fallow grasses, heavy buildup of dead and downed trees, overly decadent and incredibly dense forests, juniper encroachment… these are the places where fire is needed to help return things to a natural state.

Twisted Tree brings professional controlled burning options to SW Montana.  We understand the role of fire, and where it will benefit the land, vs. where it will only cause damage.  We also have the experience and understanding of fire needed to burn high intensity fuels.  Equipped with multiple fire suppression vehicles, UTV’s, drones, suppression tools, and a large pool of experienced Wildlands firefighters, we bring the ability to manage controlled burns SAFELY and effectively.  Fields, ditches, understory timber burns… let the experts handle your burning needs!

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With most Fuel Reduction projects comes the production of a large quantity of biomass to dispose of.  This can come in to form of logging slash, brush, downed dead trees, grasses, heavy pockets of forest duff, old fences, etc.  Disposing of this biomass is a major part of the job, and often the smartest option for disposal is pile burning. 

Burning piles is a bit more complicated than most people understand.  A deep understanding of convective, radiant, and conductive heat transfer is necessary to safely burn large fuels.  Knowing how to effectively light piles, manage spark throw, plan for heat columns, and protect vegetation from radiant heat are just a few of the skills required to safely and effectively complete pile burning and get the results you want.

The biggest mistakes in pile burning come at the end…cleanup, and ensuring that the piles are extinguished.  Large piles create ash piles that bury the hot coals beneath, creating a low oxygen environment that holds a ton of heat.  Piles that most people would consider completely extinguished can re-ignite or spread hot coals with even moderate winds.  Large piles can hold dangerous amounts of heat for up to several weeks. 

Twisted Tree Fire and Forestry is VERY experienced at both building and burning piles.  We have the tools and experience to safely manage large piles, mitigate for any sparks thrown, protect vegetation, and ensure proper extinguishment.  We strive for clean, fully consumed burns, and low impact results.  We will even build our piles on dirt roads and pads to eliminate damage to vegetation for low impact results.

Contact us today to see what we can offer!!

When a wildfire burns through your property, it can leave quite a mess.  While natural, fire can be incredibly devastating.

Cleaning up the land after a wildfire has a lot of positive effects.  Removing standing and fallen dead timber reduces chance of secondary burns years down the road, and have an immediate positive visual change.  The process of removing the trees also helps break down the ash pits and hydrophobic soils created by the wildfire, greatly reducing erosion potential.  On steeper slopes, techniques such as Contour Falling or pinning straw Wattles allows more aggressive erosion control.  Post Burn Seeding techniques allow better return of native fire-resistant forbs, shrubs, and trees, helping prevent noxious weed issues.  Big or small, Twisted Tree Fire and Forestry can meet your post-fire cleanup needs!