Second day of prescribed burns conducted west of Bend

Short-term weather conditions gave fuels specialists on the Deschutes National Forest opportunities to extend prescribed fire season and ignite two prescribed burns west of Bend on Friday and Saturday, as well as a burn Friday by Black Butte Ranch.

“Precise weather conditions, as well as the support of various contingency resources like additional firefighter support and numerous fire engines will be on hand for the burns,” Central Oregon Fire Management Services said in Friday’s update.

While short-term forecasts have allowed an extension in prescribed fire season, the long-term forecast for fire season from the National Interagency Fire Center is predicting above-normal fire activity in the Pacific Northwest beginning in July and continuing through the summer and early fall, officials said.

Fire managers added, “It’s important that the public take precautions when cutting firewood to make sure equipment is properly maintained to minimize sparks, and recreate responsibly by ensuring all campfires are dead out.”

On Friday, a 119-acre prescribed burn took place adjacent to Phil’s Trailhead. Its parking area was closed on the day of the burn due to the need for fire vehicles and personnel to be in close proximity to the burn area.

Forest Road 4604, which accesses the trailhead from Skyliners Road, also was closed to the public. The trail system largely remained open on Friday, with the exception of an approximately one mile trail closure on Skills Loop that will be in place for up to two days.

Mountain bikers and hikers can still access the trail system from other access points but are also reminded to take advantage of other mountain biking opportunities in the area, including the trail system at Wanoga Sno-Park, which is located approximately 20 minutes from Phil’s Trailhead.

The prescribed burn underway Saturday was a 109-acre unit located on the western edge of Bend adjacent to Cascade Lakes Highway, north of — and across the highway from — the “Good Dog” area.

Forest Road 010 was closed during the burn. Trail closures will be in place beginning Saturday, including Marvin’s Garden from the Lair at Junction 49 to COD at Junction 50, and the COD trail from Tetherow to ELV at Junction 20.

The winds forecast for both burn areas were expected to push smoke up and over Bend, which limited impacts to the community. However, smoke was highly visible from the Bend and the surrounding areas — and overnight Friday, it dropped into areas of Bend.

Residences and businesses in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed during the night hours, when there is the greatest potential for smoke in the area to linger.

Fuels specialists followed 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.

Hazards, including fire weakened trees and areas of hot ash, will exist in the burn area for 1-2 weeks or more after burn implementation.

It is advised that recreationists remain on the trails and roads, and that dogs remain on leash when traveling around the burn area.

If smoke drifts on to roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care. The smoke will dissipate after ignitions have been completed, but smoke could be visible in the burn area for an additional 2-3 days. Fuels specialists will be monitoring the burn area through the weekend and into next week.

Background:

The West Bend Vegetation Project is the first project to be implemented through a partnership with the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project, an organization bringing a diverse group of stakeholders together with the Forest Service to design and plan treatment options for highly valued and historically controversial areas.

DCFP was created through the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program in 2010 which awarded the Deschutes National Forest with a 10-year, $10.1 million grant to restore 145,000 acres of forest in Central Oregon. In the summer of 2013 the restoration area was approved for an expansion, bringing the total to approximately 257,000 acres and stretching from Black Butte and Bend to Sunriver and Mt. Bachelor.

Meanwhile, warmer weather and favorable winds lined up for fuels specialists on the Sisters Ranger District to conduct a prescribed burn Friday. Up to 42 acres were to be be burned mile east of Black Butte Ranch and one mile south of Highway 20 in the Glaze Meadow area.

The prescribed fire is part of the Glaze Forest Restoration Project, a project which was accomplished through close collaboration between the Forest Service, public, and representatives from both the environmental and timber communities.

Due to the location of these units, the public could see smoke and drivers may experience smoke impacts on Highway 20 and throughout Black Butte Ranch.

For all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby forest roads and state highways that could be impacted. No road closures are anticipated with this project.

Black Butte Ranch will likely be impacted by smoke as a result of this project, officials said. Residences and businesses in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed during the night hours to avoid any unintended smoke impacts.

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