The Bureau of Land Management recently began prescribed burning operations throughout Oregon and Washington as conditions became optimal in many areas. Operations will continue throughout the fall and winter. These burns are carefully planned to reduce hazardous fuels, protect nearby communities, and restore native ecosystems. To view active burns, visit our prescribed fire webpage.
“Prescribed fire is one of our most effective tools for reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat,” said Jona Ensley, assistant fire management officer at the Prineville District. “By carefully planning and executing these burns, we’re helping protect communities and strengthen the health of our public lands.”
Techniques range from broadcast burning, which is the application of fire to an entire area, to hand and machine pile ignitions. These burns focus on increasing safety in the Wildland Urban Interface and restoring ecological function to the landscape. Targeting built-up fuels and residual materials from previous forest (?)thinning operations decreases the load of dead trees, branches, and underbrush that pose significant wildfire risks.
What does this mean??
- During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
- When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
- People with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, should ask their doctors about protecting themselves from smoke, and monitor their local air quality map.
All prescribed burns are carried out when weather, fuel conditions, and air quality are within safe parameters. Firefighters use a combination of natural features and constructed control lines to keep the fire contained, with protocols in place to minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities.
For more information, contact the BLM District Office associated with the burn.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
