Pile burning: Expect smoke and visible flames along US Hwy 395C
By Logan Bagett on Monday, December 9th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Pile burning operations will continue the week of December 9th on the Blue Mountain Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest. The area along US Highway 395C and Grant County Road 63 (Izee-Paulina Highway) is being monitored for potential hand piles and machine piles.
Smoke and flames from the piles may be visible along the highway. Caution is advised when traveling through the area. Signs will be posted along the highway.
The piles are concentrations of leftover woody materials associated with vegetation management activities conducted to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels. Removing these large accumulations of hazardous fuels during the fall and winter months are a part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk.
Pile burning implementation is weather dependent and will be conducted only under appropriate conditions to ensure safety. These conditions include temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and smoke weather forecast. When all these criteria are met, firefighters implement and monitor to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals including air quality.
For additional information about the Malheur National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheuror call the Supervisor’s Office at 541-575-3000.
