Forest Service ignites burn near Tollgate

The Forest Service ignited a controlled burn west of Tollgate on Friday, March 19. photo by Jim Cornelius

Foresters put 85 acres to the torch on Friday, March 19, west of the Tollgate subdivision.

The intentional burning was designed to consume grasses, brush and small trees that could feed wildland fires.

The controlled burn is part of an effort to reduce flammable fuels this spring near Sisters subdivisions, including Crossroads, Cascade Meadow Ranch and Squaw Back Woods.

Fire managers ignited the Tollgate burn Friday, after National Weather Service forecasts showed light winds from the south would blow most smoke away from residential areas.

Local winds normally blow more from the west, according to Kirk Metzger, fuels specialist with Central Oregon Fire Management Services.

"This is one great opportunity we're really thankful for," Metzger said of the high temperatures and low fuel moisture. "We're expecting at least one more snowstorm to occur this year, after we complete this burn."

Fire managers often burn in anticipation of precipitation that will extinguish fires that have consumed most fuels. They also seek light winds that will carry smoke from residential areas, while not threatening containment lines.

Nearby residents may be impacted by some smoke, particularly during evening and morning hours when smoke settles with cold air, according to the Forest S

Motorists are asked to reduce speeds and turn on headlights if smoke is visible on the highway.

Fifteen Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters are involved in the Tollgate burn. Firefighters will patrol the burn at least through the weekend, Metzger said.