Smoke returns to Central Oregon as Pine Mountain burn gets underway
CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire crews kicked off a prescribed burn Tuesday near Pine Mountain, just southeast of Bend, sending visible smoke across parts of Central Oregon. The operation is expected to continue through Friday, depending on weather conditions, and can be seen from Highway 20, Bend, and surrounding communities.
What’s Burning
The Pine Mountain burn is targeting about 330 acres as part of ongoing forest management efforts aimed at reducing wildfire risk.
At the same time, additional prescribed burns are happening in western Oregon’s Middle Fork Ranger District, meaning smoke could stretch beyond Central Oregon into areas like La Pine, Crescent, and even parts of the Willamette Valley.
Officials say these burns are intentional and carefully managed, but they still come with real impacts.
Closures Around Pine Mountain
Because of the active burn, the Pine Mountain area is currently closed to the public.
That includes:
- Forest Service Road 2017
- Pine Mountain Campground
- All nearby dispersed recreation areas
Popular activities like off-highway vehicle use and paragliding are also temporarily off-limits.
Crews say those closures will stay in place for several days, even after the burning stops, while firefighters complete mop-up and patrol operations to make sure everything is safe.
When You’ll Notice Smoke the Most
For many in Central Oregon, the biggest impact won’t be closures; it’ll be the smoke.
Residents in La Pine and Crescent, in particular, could see smoke settling in overnight and during the early morning hours when winds are lighter. That’s when air quality tends to dip the most.
If you’re sensitive to smoke, it’s a good idea to:
- Keep windows and doors closed overnight
- Limit outdoor activity during smoky periods
The Weather Factor
This burn is happening during a stretch of warm, dry weather across Central Oregon, conditions that are ideal for controlled burns, but also a reminder of how quickly the landscape is drying out.
Crews will continue to monitor weather conditions closely, and any changes, like stronger winds, could impact how the burn progresses.
What Happens Next
Ignitions are expected to continue through the end of the week, with smoke remaining visible across the region.
Once the burn is complete, firefighters will stay on scene for several days before reopening roads and recreation areas, only after they’re confident everything is secure.
Expect visible smoke, temporary closures, and some early-morning air quality impacts as crews work to reduce wildfire risk heading into the warmer months.
