Deschutes National Forest plans 11,000 acres of spring prescribed burning; health officials urge smoke readiness

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring.

The forest said it hopes to accomplish up to an estimated 11,626 acres of prescribed burning, including up to 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 2,126 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 2,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.

Here's the rest of Wednesday's Forest Service and public health announcements:

Prescribed burns are slated for the following general areas: 

• Bend – one mile west of Bend adjacent to Cascades Lakes Highway, Forest Service Road 41, and Skyliner Road; south of Bend adjacent to Forest Service Road 18; southeast of Bend near Forest Service Road 18 and 25 junction; northern portions of Pine Mountain
• Camp Sherman – along Forest Service Road 14 near the base of Black Butte and north of Camp Sherman near Smiling River and Pine Rest Campgrounds
• Crescent – five miles southeast of Crescent and east of Highway 97 off Forest Service Road 9760 near Boundary Springs Campground; approximately one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision; east of Highway 97 near the Highway 97 and 58 junction
• La Pine – three miles northeast of La Pine adjacent to McKay Crossing Campground; one mile east of La Pine near Finley Butte; 30 miles southeast of La Pine near Quartz Mountain; south of Highway 31 approximately 12 miles southeast of La Pine
• Sisters – within one to five miles south to northwest of Sisters
• Sunriver – two miles northeast of Sunriver on the east and west side of Highway 97 near Lava Butte; east side of Highway 97 near the South Century Drive interchange; one mile west of Sunriver along Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the vicinities of Anne’s Butte and Pistol Butte

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.

Prescribed burns, which are primarily conducted in spring and fall, are carefully planned and implemented under specific conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture.

Firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities.

While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.

For more information on prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Visit centraloregonfire.org/prescribed-fire-smoke-plans/ to view an interactive map with planned burn locations. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive prescribed burn text alerts. Follow along on X @CentralORFire.

Health officials urge smoke readiness before prescribed burn season

Public health officials in Deschutes, Klamath and Jefferson counties, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, are encouraging residents to get ready for smoke before prescribed burn season begins.

Starting in mid-March, Forest Service crews will conduct prescribed burns on public lands across Central Oregon. Prescribed burns are important because they help reduce the risk of severe wildfires, but the smoke they generate can make air unhealthy to breathe.

“Smoke from prescribed burns and wildfires contain tiny particles you can’t see. Those particles can get deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett. “Breathing smoky air can make some people sick, especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. If smoke is in the forecast, plan ahead so you can limit time outside and keep the air in your home as clean as possible.”

“The 2024 community health assessment showed people are concerned about smoke in the community,” said Director Jennifer Little of Klamath County Public Health. “We have a GIS map on our website to show where prescribed burns are happening that might affect Klamath County. It also includes the current air quality index and is updated as information is received.”

Important steps to take during smoke season:

• Know your AQI. Learn the basics of the Air Quality Index (AQI) now, before smoke arrives.
• Check air quality often. Limit time outside when smoke is present, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor.
• AQI above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• AQI 150 or higher is unhealthy for everyone.
• Keep smoke out of your home. Close windows and doors, especially overnight and early mornings when smoke can be worse.
• Make a DIY air filter. Use a box fan and a furnace filter to clean indoor air. Learn how by watching this video.
• Wear the right mask. If you must be outside in heavy smoke, wear a NIOSH-approved N95.
• Take it easy outdoors. Avoid strenuous exercise when AQI is 150 or higher.
• Keep smoke out of your car. Close windows and vents and use the recirculate setting on your A/C.

To learn more about Forest Service prescribed fires, including locations and planned burn dates, visit: centraloregonfire.org.

For more about protecting your health during prescribed burn and wildfire season, visit:

• Deschutes County Public Health
• Klamath County Public Health
• Central Oregon Fire information
• Air quality (AQI) in your area

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