Prescribed burns planned in Ross Lake, Lake Chelan recreation areas

SEDRO-WOOLLEY — The National Park Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service plan to conduct prescribed pile burns in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas throughout October and November, weather conditions and staffing permitting.

The burns will dispose of brush, logs and branches collected during fire suppression activities on the Border 2 and Sisi fires. Fire managers will ignite the piles when conditions limit the risk of fire spreading beyond designated areas.

Smoke may be visible in Stehekin and the Ross Lake area during and after the burns. Smoke could reduce visibility, affect air quality and settle in low-lying areas overnight.

According to the National Park Service, the burns are intended to reduce wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitat and encourage new vegetation growth.

Current smoke and air-quality conditions are available at fire.airnow.gov.