Naches burn update

[Grumpy]

Prescribed burning operations continue on Naches Ranger District

NACHES — This week, Naches Ranger District fire managers plan to continue prescribed burning operations that will help protect communities, improve wildlife habitat, return fire to the landscape, and decrease the potential for future catastrophic fires.
Plans are to burn approximately 150 acres on July 27 and an additional 150 acres on July 28 if weather and fuel conditions remain favorable. The prescribed burn units are located approximately 30 miles west of Yakima, near State Route 410 and the junction of Forest Service roads 1500 and 1502.

"Conditions in the Angel Underburn units in the Rattlesnake drainage remain conducive to burning operations,” said Naches District Fuels Technician Jason Emhoff. “Fire danger remains low in this high elevation burn unit adjacent to earlier successful prescribed burns this spring.”

Individuals can expect to see some smoke coming from those areas, but widespread smoke impacts are expected to be minimal. “The weather forecast is for good smoke dispersion and winds should diffuse the smoke in the upper level atmosphere,” Emhoff said. The forecast for excellent smoke ventilation will help to avoid significant smoke impacts to the Yakima Valley and nearby communities. During burning activities smoke may be visible to forest visitors and nearby communities.

The Angel Underburn is part of a Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration project intended to create a more resilient forest ecosystem.

“Our goal is to return fire to the landscape in a way that would have the same fire effects as a naturally occurring low impact wildfire which ultimately benefits forest resiliency, wildlife species and creates a safer environment for the public and firefighters,” Emhoff added.

For more information on the Naches Ranger District prescribed burning schedule, visit fs.usda.gov/goto/nachesburning or call the district office at 509-653-1401.