Ochoco National Forest plans slash burning next week

Ochoco National Forest wildland fire crews will burn slash from forest thinning, starting next week. The first burning will take place in the Canyon #66 and AMP #1 prescribed fire units, totaling about 100 acres and 200 acres of piles and thinning slash in the two areas respectively.

Canyon #66 is located about 5 miles northeast of Ochoco Forest Camp. Ignitions will take place on Monday. Smoke will be visible from Walton Lake Road and the vicinity of Ochoco Forest Camp and Ochoco Ranger Station Road.

AMP #1 is located 12 miles northeast of Prineville in the Green Mountain area. Ignitions will occur on Tuesday. Smoke will be visible from Prineville and the McKay Creek drainage. Residents of the McKay Creek valley may experience some smoke the morning of October 31 as cool air settles in the valley overnight. Smoke is not anticipated to persist in the area.

Burning slash and heavier fuel concentrations will help prepare these two areas for future prescribed broadcast fire, resulting in a more uniform fuel load within the larger treatment area. Consuming the slash now will also help to reduce smoke produced when the larger prescribed burn areas are ignited in the future, officials said.

For current Central Oregon prescribed fire information, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or follow on Twitter at CentralORfire.