The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is planning prescribed burns on 6,800 acres this spring, including several areas in and around the Methow Valley. Burning of slash piles at the Loup Loup Campground could start this week, if weather conditions allow.
Frequent, low-intensity fire is essential to reduce wildfire risk, restore public lands and watersheds, and protect nearby communities, according to a news release from the Okanogan-Wenatchee forest.
Other areas slated for prescribed burning between now and the end of May are:
- 10 acres in the Benzer Unit, 10 miles southeast of Twisp.
- 141 acres in Lost Driveway Unit 1, about 3 miles northwest of Mazama.
- 50 acres in Lost Driveway Unit 10, adjacent to Highway 20 about a mile west of Mazama.
- 30 acres in Lost Driveway Unit 3, 2.5 miles northwest of Mazama.
- 554 acres in Goat Unit 2, 2.5 miles southeast of Mazama.
Forest employees will carry out burns when weather conditions permit, to minimize smoke impacts and meet burning objectives, Acting Forest Fire Management Officer Matt Castle said.
Still, people can expect to see and smell some smoke during burning operations, and smoke-sensitive individuals should plan ahead. For more information on smoke and public health, visit wasmoke.blogspot.com or airnow.gov/fires.
Real-time prescribed fire maps and updates are at facebook.com/OkaWenNF. There is an interactive map at tinyurl.com/harqnw8.
Call 996-4040 for more information.
