13,000-acre prescribed burn near Chemult over halfway done

The Chemult Ranger District on the Fremont-Winema National Forest said Tuesday it’s conducted the 13,000-acre Boundary prescribed burn with great success so far and could conclude the operation this week.

The primary objective of a prescribed burn is to safely reduce the build-up of dead/down and live surface fuel to a historic fire-adapted ecosystem, as well as being less susceptible to severe impacts if a wildfire occurs in the future.

A portion of the Boundary prescribed fire treatment, about 10 miles southwest of Chemult, was conducted Sept. 13-15. Officials said a ll objectives were met on 8,000 acres and that area is open for the start of rifle season.

Officials said the end of this week may open a window of opportunity to complete the remaining 5,000 acres left to treat, leaving a complete desired natural mosaic burn pattern.

Although smoke was in the air with the first prescribed fire treatment, sending thick smoke into the Bend area, officials said it had no long-term direct impact on the public or local airsheds , and they are anticipating the same this week.

The Boundary prescribed fire treatment will remain in patrol and monitoring status until further notice.

Please always check current forest conditions before planning a forest visit. During prescribed fire operations, forest visitors will not be allowed within the treatment area. Information on current conditions is available at the Chemult Ranger District, located at 110500 Hwy 97 N or at 541-365-7001 or, online at www.fs.usda.gov/ fremont-winema , prescribed fire updates are also available at www.scofmp.org/rx_fire.shtml.

For more information go to http://facebook.com/scofmpfireinfo.