Crescent Ranger District begins prescribed burning
Fuels specialists on the Crescent Ranger District will begin their fall prescribed burning program this week. Starting as early as Tuesday and continuing through the weekend, the district plans to burn several units north of Davis Lake and south of Wickiup Reservoir.
Fuels specialists plans to ignite up to 160 acres approximately two miles north of Davis Lake as early as Tuesday. Officials said the burns will reduce hazardous fuels and maintain and improve wildlife habitat namely for the white headed woodpecker, flamulated owl and other species that prefer open, large tree dominated stands.
Also, plans are in place to burn 290 acres of piles in three units directly south of Wickiup Reservoir. The piles are left over from mechanical thinning projects to reduce hazardous fuels and fire danger.
Piles created from this type of treatment are allowed to dry for one to two years to reduce smoke emissions and increase consumption of piled material.
While no road closures are anticipated with these burning operations, smoke may be visible during burning activities, and residual smoke could remain in the area up to a week after ignitions.
Areas that may be impacted by smoke include the community of Wickiup Acres, Davis Lake, Wickiup Lake, Forest Road 44, and Forest Road 46.
Residents and businesses in the areas of all of these prescribed burns are advised to keep their windows and doors closed during the night hours to avoid any potential smoke impacts. If smoke drifts on to local roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care.
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. Once ignited, units are monitored and patrolled until they are declared out.
For more information, visit the Deschutes National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire.
