Naches Controlled Burns

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NACHES— Prescribed burn activity on the Naches Ranger District may begin in late April or early May. Fire and fuels managers on the Naches Ranger District continue controlled burns within the Canteen Ecosystem Restoration project and Angel Underburn project areas this spring and throughout the summer. During burning activities, forest visitors may experience smoke and localized road and area closures. Upwards of 1000 acres may be ignited this spring between the two projects.



Both restoration projects are intended to create a more resilient forest ecosystem. Fire is a fundamental part of a healthy forest and is vital for protecting and promoting plant communities and the wildlife that depend on them. “Underburning in forest settings not only aids in wildfire control, but is also highly beneficial to the long term health and sustainability of the ecosystem,” Brad Wagner, Naches Ranger District assistant fire management officer said. “Often we reduce the severity and size of a future wildfire by managing fuel conditions with prescribed fire.”



Many variables are considered prior to fire and fuels managers igniting a controlled burn on a select day. After approval to burn is received from the WA Department of Natural Resources and input from air quality specialists is obtained, managers complete a test ignition in the field. The test ignition can help the Forest Service determine if weather and fuel conditions are ideal prior to igniting the entire unit. Managers also request support of fire hand crews and engines to implement and monitor the burn.



With various conditions necessary to burn, the Naches Ranger District cannot predict the exact dates of the prescribed burning this spring. Updates are available by visiting the Naches Prescribed Fire Website at: http://go.usa.gov/kHQP or by calling the Naches Ranger District front office at 509-653-1401. The Naches Prescribed Fire Website will show if smoke approval was given to the Forest Service and if the test ignition proved successful.

The Naches Ranger District continues to maintain a smoke notification list for those individuals who are sensitive to smoke. Those interested will be notified prior to the prescribed burn. Contact Jason Emhoff at jemhoff@fs.fed.us to be added to the notification list.