Prescribed burn planned Tuesday near Lake Billy Chinook

Fuel management specialists on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest plan to conduct a prescribed burn Tuesday on a 155-acre unit located 2 miles west of Lake Billy Chinook near the junction of Forest Service roads 11 and 1170.

The unit, called Flymon, is expected to be completed in one day; however, depending on burning conditions, it may take up to two days. Following the prescribed burn the area will be mopped up and patrolled.

Officials said the burn will create a greater mosaic of grasses and shrubs under the overstory of large trees to improve wildlife habitat in the area. Primarily the burn will improve deer winter range.

Communities to the east of the burn, including Madras and Redmond, may see smoke, but should not be impacted by smoke directly, the agency said. Smoke also may pool overnight in the Lake Billy Chinook area. No road closures are planned outside of areas immediately adjacent to the burn unit.

All prescribed burning is dependent on weather and planned in accordance with smoke management standards administered by the State of Oregon.

Keep up with prescribed burns in Central Oregon by visiting this live map: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/webmaps/deschutes/cofms-rxfire/

For more information, follow Twitter @CentralORFire.