Central Oregon – Fire
managers on the Ochoco National Forest plan to burn downed juniper on
approximately 135 acres near Black Canyon Wilderness on the Paulina Ranger
District tomorrow, Thursday, April 5, if weather and conditions allow. Rain is
predicted in the general area and if enough rain arrives the burn will be
postponed.
The burning will take place in the
Upper Beaver project area, about 15 miles northeast of Paulina, Ore. in the
vicinity of Rager Ranger Station near Bronco Reservoir.
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 and provide better connectivity of sage grouse
habitat while reducing hazardous fuel loading to lower the risk of large-scale
wildfire across the landscape.
The project is partially funded by
the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Burning is scheduled to begin about
11 a.m. and work should be completed by the end of the day. Smoke will be
visible today and tomorrow from Forest Road 58 and Highway 380 near Paulina,
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.
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