Two prescribed burns planned south of Bend this week

Given favorable weather conditions, Deschutes National Forest fuel specialists on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plan to conduct two prescribed burns south of Bend this week.

On Thursday, fuels specialists plan to ignite 100 acres about 20 miles south of Bend. The prescribed fire area is located east of Highway 97 between Forest Roads 9725 and 9735.

While there are no road closures anticipated with this burn, smoke could impact Highway 97 and motorists are encouraged to drive slowly and use caution on adjacent Forest Roads.

Fuels specialists will continue burning four miles west of Fall River Guard Station on Friday. The project area is 43 acres, and once this burn is finished, the units in this area known as “Pit” will be complete. Smoke from this burn could impact Vandervert Road (Forest Road 42).

Burning in both of these areas is designed to decrease hazardous fuels accumulations within the Wildland Urban Interface adjacent to the city of Bend and surrounding communities to reduce the risk of high intensity wildfire as well reintroduce fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.

Due to the location of these units, the public could see smoke and 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.

While there are no road closures anticipated with either burn, drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby roads. If smoke drifts onto roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with caution.

Residences and businesses near these burn areas are advised to keep their windows and doors closed during the night hours to minimize any potential smoke impacts.

Fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs prescribed fires (including pile burning), and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health.

Keep up with prescribed burns in Central Oregon by visiting this live map: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/webmaps/deschutes/cofms-rxfire/