Spring burning begins on Malheur National Forest
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY & HINES, OR – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
This week burning will be conducted within the Wolf H (712 acres) unit. The project goal is to burn open patches of ground, under or near tree wells, where the snow has melted and ignite any heavy concentrations of heavy fuel along control lines. Ignition will take place near the junction of Forest Service Road (FSR) 17 and FSR 15 and proceed west along and below FSR 17 to the FSR 1710 junction.
Most of the ignition will take place along the ridges above Gabe Creek and Wolf Creek. Ignition may take place as early as March 16th through April 1st. Adequate signage will be placed along FSR 17 warning of fire activity but anticipated visual obstruction from smoke is minimal. The project is expected to be completed later this spring.
Tree well burning reduces the threat of tree mortality by having a cool and low intensity flame near the tree trunk and lower limbs. It also helps restore fire adapted characteristics and reduces potential mortality to large trees from a potential summer wildfire by reducing available fuel, such as needles and small limbs.
For more information on the Malheur National Forest please call one of our offices or visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur/.
