S. Deschutes prescribed burn – and small brushfire

Fuels specialists began a prescribed fire north of Wickiup Reservoir on Lookout Mountain on Monday — and as thunderstorms rumbled north into the area, a small apparent human-caused brushfire broke out west of North Twin Lake.

Maria Maragni, manager of the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center in Prineville, said the fire was reported at mid-afternoon, about 25 square feet in size. COIDC sent an engine to assist La Pine crews, who had it contained a short time later.

The fire was believed to be human-, not lightning-caused, though thunderstorms marching north into the High Desert already have peppered the region with dozens of lightning strikes, according to NewsChannel 21 Chief Meteorologist Travis Knudsen. Tune for the latest at 5 and 6.

As for the prescribed burn, ignitions are expected to last one to four days as specialists burn about 730 acres within the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest.

The prescribed fire was planned in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Research Station of the Forest Service, which manages the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest for research and education in ecosystem structure and function and for demonstration of forest management techniques.

The main objectives of this prescribed fire are to promote large fire-dependent Ponderosa pine and reduce the potential for tree mortality that could occur during a wildfire.

Forest Roads 4250-500, 4245-400, and 4245-500 on Lookout Mountain will be closed during operations and until deemed safe to reopen.

Due to the location of this project, smoke may be visible from the greater La Pine, Sunriver, and Bend areas. Drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby roads. If smoke drifts onto 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.

For more information, please visit the “Prescribed Fires” link on the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon and follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire