Firefighters to conduct controlled burns in Bend-Fort Rock, Sisters districts

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts for Monday, if weather conditions remain favorable.

These planned burns aim to connect with prior units to create strategic holding features and protect homes from potential future wildfires.

The Sisters Ranger District intends to conduct ignitions on up to 171 acres within the SAFR 271 and 274 Prescribed Burn units. These units are located approximately one mile west of Sisters along the south side of Forest Service Road 15, across from the Crossroads subdivision. Ignitions for this area are planned for 9:30 a.m.

Concurrently, the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plans to conduct up to 145 acres of ignitions on the Thor eight Prescribed Burn unit. This unit is situated six miles northeast of La Pine, adjacent to McKay Crossing Campground on the north side of Paulina Creek, with ignitions scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan these prescribed burns, which are conducted when weather conditions are most likely to move smoke up and away from communities.

While no road or trail closures are anticipated for most areas, the public is asked to avoid trails in the vicinity of the Sisters burn. People driving along Forest Service Road 15 should slow down and use caution, as firefighting personnel will be working along the roadway and smoke impacts are expected. Edgington Road and other Forest Service roads in the area may also experience smoke impacts.

Smoke from the Sisters area burn will be very visible from Sisters, the Crossroads subdivision and the Tollgate subdivision. Residents in these areas and the surrounding community are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed, particularly overnight and in the early morning hours, to minimize smoke impacts.

Smoke from the La Pine area burn will be visible from Highway 97, La Pine and Sunriver. Residents in Newberry Estates, La Pine and the surrounding areas are also encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts during the overnight and early morning hours.

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail will be closed between Ogden Group Camp and 10 Mile SnoPark during the prescribed burn operations. This closure will extend for up to one week following the burn while mop-up and patrol operations continue. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in early morning hours. All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Portable air cleaners or DIY air cleaners can be used in conjunction with closed doors and windows. Central air systems should use high-efficiency filters if available. When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and set their air to recirculating. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor their symptoms and consider contacting a health care professional if their symptoms worsen.

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail is expected to remain closed for up to one week following the prescribed burn for mop-up and patrol operations. Firefighters will reopen the trail once conditions are assessed and determined safe for the public.