Warmer weather allows BLM pile-burning projects

The warmer weather that recently moved into Central Oregon has created opportunities for fuels specialists with the Prineville BLM to complete two prescribed burning projects, the agency said Wednesday.

BLM Public Affairs Officer Lisa Clark said it’s “cold enough the fire won’t spread beyond the piles but not so cold or snowy that they don’t ignite.”

Specialists will be burning several hundred acres of piles in the Maston Trail Use Area south of Eagle Crest and will be cleaning up juniper slash leftover from this year’s firewood cutting off of Millican Road about 10 miles southwest of Prineville.

The projects are each expected to take several days, and crews will move between each project depending on site specific weather. Burning began Tues day in the Maston area, and specialists plan to have all of the work done by next week.

The goal of the pile burning in the Maston Trail Use Area is to reduce hazardous fuels leftover from recent thinning projects.

While many of these areas had biomass removed as part of the project, not all material was able to be used. The remaining small tree limbs and other material have been piled in preparation for burning.

Although not expected to linger, smoke may be visible to residents in Eagle Crest, Redmond and to visitors traveling through areas. Signs will be posted to alert travelers of the prescribed burn.

Millican Road will also be signed to alert travelers taking this route. Smoke may be visible as far north as the Prineville Airport and Highway 126; however it is not expected to impact either.

No road closures are anticipated with any of these burns; however, smoke may settle in overnight. Where necessary, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights.

All controlled burns are completed in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan. For more information about prescribed burning, please contact the Prineville BLM at (541) 416-6700 .