Expect to see smoke: More pile burning planned on Crooked River Grassland and SE of Madras
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest plan a pair of prescribed fire operations on Wednesday, pending all required approvals.
Hazardous fuels reduction work is planned in two locatons:
- About 70 acres in the Crooked River National Grassland
- An area located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26
"Prescribed burning will be managed by Forest Service resources from the Ochoco National Forest. Forest Service personnel will be on scene throughout the operation to ensure safe and effective implementation," the agency said in a news release.
Officials said smoke could be visible from Prineville, Terrebonne, and Madras. Smoke impacts are anticipated along Southeast Grizzly Road and the Highway 26 corridor, particularly overnight and in the early-morning hours as air settles into low-lying areas.
Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed along Grizzly Road and Highway 26, officials said. Drivers should slow down and use headlights if visibility is reduced.
"Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture and air quality conditions meet criteria for safe and effective operations," the Forest Service said. "If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed."
Weather conditions will be evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled, the agency said
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco.
Follow on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.
