Oregon agencies may allow more controlled burns

(Update: Adding Bend meeting time/location, link for more info)

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Oregon agencies are holding a series of public meetings on measures aimed at reducing wildfire smoke by increasing controlled burns during non-fire seasons.

The Mail Tribune reports the state forestry and environmental quality departments will hold a meeting next week in Medford, which has recorded 23 unhealthy air quality days because of smoke this summer.

The state is seeking feedback on rules that would make it easier to conduct controlled burns as a way of reducing the threat of major wildfires. The burns would still be required to follow certain state and federal air quality standards.

Meetings are also planned for Bend, Klamath Falls, La Grande and Eugene – cities often affected by wildfire smoke.

State officials hope to have the proposed rules in place by spring 2019.

The Bend meeting is scheduled for Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. at the Deschutes County offices at 1300 NW Wall Street, the Barnes and Sawyer Room.

More information is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Regulations/rulemaking/Pages/RSmoke2018.aspx