First fall prescribed burns set to begin

Fuel specialists in Crescent are planning a series of burns near Cascade Lakes Highway that could happen as early as Wednesday, if weather conditions remain favorable.

The first burn is a 181-acre unit one mile southwest of the junction of Cascade Lakes Highway and Forest Road 44, north of Davis Lake.

Officials say smoke will likely be visible from Wickiup Reservoir and the La Pine basin. Fuels specialists plan to begin burning Wednesday and are expected to finish Thursday.

Next week, fuels specialists are planning to burn along Cascade Lakes Highway between mile markers 60-62 and near the Lava Flow Campground.

Ignitions are planned for October 6-8 and during that time, the Lava Flow campground will be closed to ensure public and firefighter safety.

The 130-acre burn will heavily impact Cascade Lakes Highway (Forest Road 46) and a flagger will be in place during the ignition phase of the burn.

Smoke will be highly visible along Cascade Lakes Highway and motorists are encouraged to use caution while driving by decreasing speed and turning on headlights through the impacted area.

Both burn areas will be patrolled and monitored for several days following the prescribed burns.