Foresters launch burning campaign

After Sisters' summer of fires, the forests in the area will burn once again in coming weeks - this time on purpose.

Fire specialists will begin fall controlled burns on the Sisters Ranger District in early- to mid-October to reduce brush and woody debris that can contribute to high-intensity fires during the summer fire season.

According to Sisters Ranger District fire specialist Jinny Pitman, the controlled burns are part of a series of strategic treatments intended to reduce hazardous fuels that can feed wildland fires spreading from national forest lands to residential areas. The treatments have included burning, chainsaw thinning, mechanical mowing and hand piling of woody debris.

The district plans to treat 200 to 400 acres with controlled burns located within the Black Butte Ranch Natural Fuels, Underline and Highway 20 project areas. These areas are generally located adjacent to Black Butte Ranch, along the Highway 20 corridor and west of Sisters High School.

Foresters will focus on burning piles of wood debris later in the fall, mostly located west and north of Sisters and in the Metolius Basin.

The fall burn program typically lasts until the end of November, Pitman reported. All burns are weather-dependent and completed in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan.

Pitman said that fire specialists will make every effort to postpone burning if winds are not forecasted to disperse smoke to less-populated areas.

"Smoke might settle with cold air in evening and morning hours, even with favorable winds so nearby residents should close window and doors to keep smoke out of structures," she noted.

Signs will be posted when necessary along Highway 20 and other roads if smoke drifts over them.

Fire specialists will give nearby residents advanced notice of burning operations if it is requested. Contact Shane Robson, Sisters Ranger District fuels technician, at 549-7680 for further information or to be placed on a notification list.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality officials recommend the following precautions to reduce breathing problems associated with smoke:

• Close doors and windows on structures. Stay indoors if possible.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

• Avoid areas near your home with the highest smoke concentrations.

• Follow breathing management plans if you have asthma or other respiratory problems, and contact your health care provider if your condition worsens.