Prescribed burn planned southeast of Bend

Fuels specialists on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District are planning a prescribed burn as early as Tuesday, one mile north of Kelsey Butte near the junction of Forest Roads 1810 and 1814.

If conditions remain favorable, the 86-acre burn, located about five miles southeast of the High Desert Museum, will be completed in one day, officials said.

The purpose of burning in this area is to return low-intensity fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, as well as enhancing wildlife habitat.

While there are no closures associated with this prescribed burn, smoke will be visible in the area and may impact southeast Bend residents, officials said.

Drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby highways and forest roads. For all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby Forest roads and state highways that could be impacted.

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/deschutes and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire.