Fire managers on the Crooked River
National Grassland plan to burn downed juniper on approximately 537 acres next
week, as weather and conditions allow. The burning will take place just east of
Highway 26 about 7 miles south of Madras, in the Juniper Springs area.
This type of prescribed fire, known
as “jackpot burning,” addresses high concentrations of naturally-occurring or
thinning-related downed woody debris. Burning these units will improve critical
winter range for big game while reducing hazardous fuel loading to lower the
risk of large-scale wildfire across the landscape.
The burning is scheduled to begin
about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, and continue for one or two days as
needed.
Smoke will be visible throughout the
week from Highway 26, but no delays or impacts to travel are expected; however,
if smoke drifts onto roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and
proceed with care. Jackpots may smolder, burn, and produce smoke for several
days after ignition. Once ignited, units are monitored by firefighters until
they are declared out.
Fuels specialists follow policies
outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which
governs prescribed fires (including jackpot burning) and attempts to minimize
impacts to visibility and public health.
