Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

Chris Rogers, 28th Civil Engineering Squadron wildland firefighter, monitors a prescribed burn at Malmstrom Air Force, Montana, July 8, 2026. Prescribed burns eliminate invasive plants such as the Russian olive, a thorny deciduous tree that grows widespread in Montana and out-competes native vegetation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson)

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Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

Bela Harrington, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Wildland Support Module area fire management officer, shares wildland firefighting expertise with 341st Civil Engineering Squadron firefighters during a prescribed burn at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 8, 2026. The three-day prescribed burn provided 341st CES firefighters hands-on experience in prescribed fire operations, strengthening their ability to manage wildland fire risks and support installation readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson)

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Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

A prescribed burn is conducted at Malmstrom Air Force Base, July 8, 2026. The Ellsworth AFB Fire Department partnered with Malmstrom's 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources Office in a multi-year effort to conduct a prescribed burn that reduced invasive Russian olive trees and dead vegetation, minimizing the risk of aircraft and wildlife collisions while protecting training areas that support Air Force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson)

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Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jordan Herrick, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of health and safety, left, and Bela Harrington, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Wildland Support Module area fire management officer, right, evaluate wind conditions for a prescribed burn at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 8, 2026. Firefighters evaluated weather conditions to determine safe burn operations and keep the prescribed fire within planned boundaries while removing invasive Russian olive trees from the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson)

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Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

Air Force Civil Engineer Center Wildland Support Module personnel scout the area around a prescribed burn at Malmstrom Air Force Base, July 8, 2026. Prescribed burns return nutrients to the soil, helping restore grasslands, control invasive vegetation and maintain healthier training areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson)

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Malmstrom firefighters partner with AFCEC to conduct prescribed burn, support installation readiness

Published July 20, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Ethan Wilson
341st Missile Wing

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --