Burns planned near Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman
Given favorable weather conditions, fuel specialists plan to conduct two prescribed fires beginning Thursday near Black Butte Ranch and Camp Sherman, on the heels of a three-day, 730-acre burn west of La Pine that sent smoke streaming into the area.
About 65 acres are planned to be burned adjacent to Black Butte Ranch and mile southwest of Highway 20 in the Glaze Meadow area.
About 120 acres could be burned two miles north of Camp Sherman adjacent to the west side of Forest road 1419 in the Metolius Basin.
Objectives for both projects include minimizing the potential of future high-intensity wildfires and improving wildlife habitat.
The prescribed fire planned adjacent to Black Butte Ranch 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.
Black Butte Ranch and Highway 20 could be impacted by smoke as a result of this project.
Camp Sherman, House on Metolius, and other areas north of Camp Sherman could be impacted with smoke as a result of the project in the Metolius Basin.
Due to the location of these units, the public could see smoke and drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby highways and forest roads.
Many La Pine-area residents reported smoky skies in recent days from the burn on Lookout Mtn. in the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest. Forest Service officials said that burn began Monday and was wrapping up Wednesday, meaning the smoke should dissipate.
For all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby forest roads and highways that could be impacted. No road closures are anticipated with these Sisters Ranger District projects.
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/centraloregon and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire.
