Pile burning conducted at Skull Hollow Campground after trailhead expansion, other improvements

(Update: Adding photo, burn takes place)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -— Firefighters from the Ochoco National Forest ignited piles of woody debris at Skull Hollow Campground on the Crooked River National Grassland on Tuesday, officials said.

The piles of woody debris are leftover brush, limbs and small diameter juniper that were removed in the construction of the parking lot perimeter fence, trailhead expansion and associated improvements at Skull Hollow Campground northeast of Terrebonne, off of Lone Pine Road.

No road or trail closures took place, though forest users traveling along Highway 26 were advised they might see smoke, as could travelers on Highway 97 and nearby landowners.  Prescribed fire signs were posted in the immediate area. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns or piles, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.

This prescribed burn occurred within the Central Oregon Landscape, one of 21 focal landscapes identified within the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

The removal of accumulations of hazardous fuels supports the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities, and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests. Prescribed burns can protect homes and private property from tragic wildfires.

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

Sometimes, weather patterns change, and some smoke will be present during prescribed burns. During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight. All residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights. If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, ask your doctor about how to protect yourself from smoke.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit www.centraloregonfire.org and follow on Twitter @CentralORFire.