News Release
Wenatchee River RD Fall Burning Begins
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USDA Forest Service
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September 23, 2008
As cooler temperatures and increasing moisture decreases fire danger in forest lands, the Wenatchee River Ranger District is getting ready to implement its annual prescribed fall burning program. If weather conditions are favorable, the prescribed burns may begin as early as the first week of October and will continue through November. The District plans to burn approximately 1,500 acres this fall in various locations from Lake Wenatchee to Mission Ridge.
The goals for these low intensity prescribed burns include:
- Reduction of hazardous forest fuels.
- Improve protection for adjacent lands within the community’s wildland-urban interface.
- Improve opportunities for firefighters to safely suppress future wildfire.
- Burns to maintain the natural cycles of the ecosystem (historic fire intervals).
The prescribed burns are mainly in or adjacent to previous timber sale units and will be either underburns or hand-pile burns. Areas to be treated include Beehive Reservoir (near Mission Ridge), Derby and Williams Canyon, Blewett Pass/Camas, north of Tumwater Canyon along Highway 2, and close to Fish Lake (Chiwawa Loop and Lake Wenatchee ). Some burns (for example the Beehive Reservoir, Chiwawa Loop and Tumwater burns) will be highly visible. Smoke is expected to last 2-5 days at each burn, depending upon wind, fuel and other conditions.
Fire Management Officer, Michelle Ellis said, “Before any burning occurs, careful planning and risk assessment occur. This includes fire behavior, weather data, fuel conditions, smoke analysis and contingency plans.” Monitoring of weather and fuel moisture parameters will take place prior to, during and after prescribed burning, to ensure objectives for each burn are met.
Part of this year’s program includes maintenance burns. These burns are in areas that have been treated previously, but are now being retreated over certain time intervals or what is termed “historic fire intervals”. Ellis added, “ When fire is used constructively, it is an important tool both for forest health and reducing risk to communities. This course of action follows what nature has normally done and creates a sustainable healthy forest.”
If you have questions concerning the fall burning project, contact Wenatchee River Ranger District’s Fire Management Office at (509) 548-2550.
