Units slated for burning in the Maury Mountains this weekend
Prineville, Ore., October 12, 2023— With more moderate temperatures and recent rainfall on the Ochoco National Forest (ONF), the Forest’s firefighters are set to begin the fall prescribed burning program. If conditions remain favorable, firefighters will begin burning in the Maury Mountains as early as October 13th.
The operation aims to strengthen containment lines around two units – 2 and 4. Firefighters will target 300 acres of the 3,336-acre Unit 2, located approximately four miles south of Post, Oregon, on Forest Road (FR) 16. Additionally, firefighters are also planning to treat approximately 300 acres around the boundary of Unit 4, a 2,731-acre area, located approximately six miles southeast of Post, Oregon. It is anticipated that the fire operations for both burns will span one day, followed by thorough mop-up and patrol activities until the fire is declared dead out.
Firefighters will be strategically creating a blackline around each unit to facilitate control during subsequent ignitions at a later date. This treatment serves as the initial phase of a comprehensive plan to reintroduce low intensity fire into the Maury Mountains.
While the operation is expected to generate smoke, potentially impacting FR 16, 1610, 17 and Highway 380, measures will be taken to minimize any inconveniences to drivers. Additionally, the Paulina Valley in the Post area may experience some smoke impacts. Signs will be posted near the activities to notify the public of the controlled fires.
No road closures are anticipated currently. When smoke is present, motorists should reduce their speed and turn on headlights. All efforts will be made to limit smoke impacts to area 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 http://www.centraloregonfire.org/ or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco and follow us on Twitter @CentralORFire.
