For Release: October 4, 2021
Ignitions Slated for Tuesday, October 5
Crescent, Ore— On Tuesday, October 5, fuels specialists on the Crescent Ranger District plan to conduct a 31-acre prescribed burn located three and a half miles southwest of Crescent Lake Junction near the eastern portion of Crescent Lake. If favorable conditions exist and time allows, fuels specialists may conduct an additional 84-acre prescribed burn in the same area.
Fuels specialists are implementing the understory burn to reduce hazardous fuels accumulation decreasing the risk of high-intensity wildfire in the area by providing increased defensible space to protect the Crescent Lake community. Additionally, implementing prescribed fire restores the health of the fire-adapted ecosystem while helping to improve late-successional forest conditions.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 58 and Crescent Lake Junction following ignitions. Fuels specialists will monitor smoke impacts to Highway 58 and place warning signs where needed. Firefighters patrol the burn for several days following ignitions until it is declared out.
Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to analyze weather conditions and anticipated smoke dispersion to determine burn dates. When smoke is present, motorists should reduce speed and turn on headlights. All efforts will be made to limit smoke impacts to area neighborhoods and communities. The possibility exists for smoke to settle in low-lying areas due to cool night-time temperatures. Residents in areas near burn operations are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid possible smoke impacts.
For more information on hazardous fuels reduction projects in Central Oregon, visit the interactive website at https://centraloregonfire.org/ or visit www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire. For further questions contact the Crescent Ranger District at (541) 433-3200.
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