Prineville, Ore., October 18, 2023— If conditions remain favorable, Ochoco National Forest firefighters will continue with the next step of the prescribed burning program this Friday on the Jackson Unit.
The Jackson prescribed burning unit is 3,300 acres along the western portion of the Paulina Ranger District, between Forest Road (FR) 30 and FR 4250, approximately five miles east of Big Summit Prairie. Burning in this unit is designed to reintroduce fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem, reduce hazardous fuels, reinvigorate grasses, and improve wildlife habitat. By reintroducing fire to the landscape under controlled conditions, the prescribed burn will help mitigate the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, protect valuable natural resources, and promote a more resilient forest ecosystem.
No road or trail closures are anticipated with this prescribed burn, however there is a possibility for delays on FR 30 and FR 4250. Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal. Firefighters on the ground will ignite the fire perimeter, and a helicopter will assist with aerial ignition. Once ignited, the burn will be monitored by firefighters, and they will mop-up and cool the fire perimeter. Firefighters will monitor the fire until it is declared out.
When smoke is present, motorists should reduce 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 map on this website or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @CentralORFire.
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