Good fire planned on over 9,000 acres across forest

CHELAN - ENTIAT – Beginning in April, firefighters on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will once again bringing good fire back to the dry, fire-adapted Cascade landscape. Excluded from the ecosystem for nearly 100 years, frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for healthy forests and better protected communities.“It’s time to put fire to work for us” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Jason Kuiken. “In an era of destructive megafires, increasing prescribed fire is a cost-effective, proactive part of the restoration solution.”

While more than 9,000 acres are planned this spring, fewer acres may be completed if conditions are not favorable. Conditions include correct temperature, wind, fuel moisture and ventilation for smoke. When these criteria are met, firefighters implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals including air quality.

“Air quality and healthy forests matter to all of us” added Kuiken. “Before each and every burn, we work closely with air quality officials to balance smoke impacts near communities with the good fire this landscape desperately needs.”

Residents and visitors can expect to see and smell some smoke each day during burning operations. For more information on smoke and public health, please visit: wasmoke.blogspot.com

Real-time prescribed fire information, maps, and updates:

Facebook: facebook.com/OkaWenNF

Twitter: twitter.com/OkaWenNF

Text message updates: text ‘follow OkaWenNF’ to 40404

Interactive map: tinyurl.com/harqnw8

Spring 2017 priority prescribed fire by Ranger District

Chelan Ranger District

25 Mile, 731 acres, 18 miles northwest of Chelan

Bear Mountain, 124 acres, 6 miles west of Chelan, between Navarre and Knapp Coulees

Entiat Ranger District

Lower Tyee, 825 acres, 3-7 miles northwest of Ardenvoir

Forest Johnson, 367 acres, 9 miles west of Chelan

Dill, 332 acres, 5 miles north of Ardenvoir

Bisping Palmich, 159 acres, 4 miles northeast of Ardenvoir