Big prescribed burn SE of Bend aims to boost habitat

Fuels specialists on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District began a 597-acre prescribed burn on Thursday, 14 miles southeast of Bend near Company Butte.

The burn will likely take up to three days to complete, officials said.

The project was planned by the Deschutes National Forest in conjunction with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve deer winter range and enhance wildlife habitat.

Fuels specialists will be mopping up and working in the area for about a week after the burn is completed, and residents could see smoke up to a month after ignitions are complete.

OHV trails 22, 23 and 25 will be closed while burning operations are taking place but will reopen again in the evenings.

While there are no road closures associated with this prescribed burn, smoke will be visible in the area and may impact residents in southeast Bend, officials said — and indeed, the large smoke plume prompted concern and calls by many.

Drivers may experience smoke impacts on Forest Road 18 and the surrounding area, officials said.

As with all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby forest roads that could be impacted by smoke.

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.