Prescribed burning near Austin Junction east of Prairie City
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
PRAIRIE CITY – The Malheur National Forest is conducting hand pile burning. Yesterday, the Prairie City Ranger District proceeded with ignitions in the Austin ODOT Unit 1, South of Hwy 26, approximately 300 feet east of the Austin ODOT station. There is about 2.5 acres with approximately 60 hand piles.
Forest Service officials report, “Please use caution traveling along hwy 26, smoke will be visible while burning is underway. For detailed air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/
The debris piles were created during forest management and fuel‑reduction projects, including thinning, cutting, and other maintenance activities on the Forest. Burning these piles of forest debris helps reduce wildfire risk, by lowering excess vegetation.
Prescribed fires help protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.”
