COVID-19 Impacts Prescribed Burning Season

The U.S. Forest Service says the pandemic interrupted the prescribed burning plans that were set for the spring in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

In an email to KPQ, a spokesperson said, "In addition to limiting additional respiratory irritants in nearby communities, our pause on prescribed fire is also about keep firefighters safe and protected from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 this spring. Sharing vehicles, reloading fuel, and even holding a burn line in close proximity can all increase exposure and potential transfer of COVID-19 from crew member to crew member and their families."

They say it's important to have wildland firefighters at full capacity for wildfire season.

USFS will continue to look for opportunities for prescribed burning.

They did not respond to a question regarding the potential impact on wildfire season.