Pile burning planned near La Pine

As fall weather continues to bring moisture and cooler temperatures across Central Oregon, Prineville Bureau of Land Management fuels specialists intend to begin burning piles in several locations within the La Pine basin as early as Tuesday.

As conditions allow, specialists expect operations to continue for several weeks as they burn piles on both sides of Highway 97 and Highway 31. Piles are located within La Pine State Park and near several developments including, Huntington Meadows, Antelope Meadows, Old Howard Estates, Roan Park, Split Rail, and the La Pine Industrial Park.

The piles are concentrations of leftover hazardous fuels associated with a project that reduced the potential for severe wildfire, increased firefighter and public safety, and promoted ecosystem health within the greater La Pine area.

No closures are anticipated with this project. However, smoke will be visible from many locations within the La Pine basin including Highway 97 and Highway 31 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