Burning scheduled in Sisters forests

If conditions remain favorable, firefighters will begin fall prescribed burning on the Deschutes National Forest this week. Multiple burns are planned starting this Wednesday and Thursday on the Sisters Ranger District.

The Sisters Ranger District is planning a burn unit on Wednesday about four miles north of Sisters. This 92-acre burn will include traffic flaggers on Forest Service Road 1102 (Indian Ford Road).On Thursday, there are planned ignitions on two units totaling 171 acres in the vicinity of Camp Sherman at the junction of Forest Service Roads 1216 and 1419. Traffic flaggers will be in place on Forest Service Road 1419. Smoke from these burns may be visible to those in Camp Sherman and Sisters.

According to fire managers, these prescribed burns will help restore ponderosa pine ecosystems by reintroducing low intensity fire, increase the safety of nearby communities by reducing hazardous fuels, and improve wildlife habitat.

For all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby forest roads and state highways that could be impacted. No road closures are anticipated with these projects. If smoke is on the roadway, turn on headlights and slow down while traveling through smoky areas. Hunters may notice periods of increased smoke.

If individuals feel impacted by smoke, they should avoid outdoor physical exertion and remain indoors. If people experience serious health impacts from the smoke, they should contact their doctor.

Keep up with prescribed burns in Central Oregon by visiting a live map on http://www.centraloregonfire.org. For more information, visit the Deschutes website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire.