Fall prescribed burning to begin across forests
Multiple prescribed burning projects are planned this fall, although the exact day of ignitions will depend upon conditions aligning with safe implementation.
Photo courtesy IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS
Favorable conditions for prescribed burning are forecast over the coming weeks, according to Idaho Panhandle National Forests officials.
Multiple prescribed burning projects are planned this fall, although those dates will depend upon conditions aligning with safe implementation. IPNF officials said prescribed burning is among each ranger district’s annual natural resource management programs to reduce hazardous fuels, prepare areas for tree planting, and improve wildlife forage.
The Lone Cabin project on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District will be the first ignitions for the season and could begin as soon as today, Sept. 4. Smoke will likely be visible from I-90 and U.S. 95 in the Coeur d’Alene area, IPNF officials said.
Fire managers are looking to seize a brief window before burn condition opportunities on shaded aspects are lost to fall rains. Nearby, timber harvest is wrapping up on the Ridge Creek Fire Salvage. Located between Hayden Creek and South Chilco Mountain, harvest operations have necessitated Monday through Friday road closures in the area that are estimated to be in place through October. Other prescribed fire and fuel reduction projects will occur as prescriptive conditions are met. More information, such as project ignition status and maps, can be found online at bit.ly/NorthIdahoRxFire.
IPNF officials said fire managers will evaluate weather and fuels to determine when burning can be safely conducted. Burned areas are monitored to ensure that fire remains within the project boundaries.
IPNF officials work with the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to minimize smoke impacts from prescribed burning. Additional information on smoke management and forecasts can be found online at mi.airshedgroup.org.
The public is urged to stay away from project areas during burning operations and for several days afterward. People should be aware of additional hazards in burned areas, such as unstable soil, stump holes and fire-weakened trees. Signs will be posted along access roads and near affected trailheads and trail junctions during operations. Temporary access restrictions or closures will be necessary for public safety, officials said.
Information: IPNF fire information line, 208-557-8813