Pile burning planned near Odell Lake

With significant moisture recorded across Central Oregon over the last week and more forecast for the weekend, Deschutes National Forest fuels specialists intend to begin burning piles along Highway 58 near Odell Lake on Monday.

As conditions allow, specialists expect operations to continue into November as they burn piles in several locations across the district, including units near Ringo Butte and the Two Rivers North area.

The piles are concentrations of leftover hazardous fuels associated with previous vegetation management activities.

No road closures are anticipated with this project. However, some smoke could be visible near Crescent Lake Junction, Odell Lake, Crescent Lake, and on Highway 58 for several days post ignitions. If smoke drifts on to roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care. Once ignited, units are monitored by firefighters until they are declared out.

Fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs controlled burns, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health. For more information, visit the Ochoco/Deschutes website at www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon