USFS to burn slash in Glaze Meadow area

Sisters Ranger District firefighters plan to ignite 51 acres of debris piles approximately one mile west of Highway 20 in the Glaze Meadow area — if conditions are favorable.

Firefighters were to ignite the piles Monday and continue through Wednesday.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 20 and Black Butte Ranch. No road or trail closures are anticipated.

Piles may smolder, burn, and produce smoke for several days after ignition. Once ignited, firefighters monitor piles until they are declared out. Please do not report ignitions.

While smoke may linger in the area, removing these large accumulations of woody debris during the winter months minimizes fire danger. The piles are concentrations of leftover materials from vegetation management activities being done to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels loading.

The possibility exists for smoke to settle in low-lying areas due to cool night-time temperatures.

• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.

• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, ask your doctor about how to protect yourself from smoke.

• Go to http://www.centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and pile burning in Central Oregon.

For more information on hazardous fuels reduction projects in Central Oregon, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow on Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.