Prescribed Burning Season To Begin

Prescribed burning season on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will get underway next month. “It’s time to put fire to work for us” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Jason Kuiken. “In an era of destructive megafires, increasing prescribed fire is a cost-effective, proactive part of the restoration solution.”

Information Officer Holly Krake says more than 9- thousand acres are planned this spring, but if the temperatures, winds and other criteria are not favorable, fewer acres may be burned. When these conditions are met, firefighters monitor and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals including air quality. “Air quality and healthy forests matter to all of us” added Kuiken. “Before each and every burn, we work closely with air quality officials to balance smoke impacts near communities with the good fire this landscape desperately needs.”

Residents and visitors can expect to see and smell some smoke each day during burning operations. For more information on smoke and public health, please visit: wasmoke.blogspot.com

Real-time prescribed fire information, maps, and updates: