Burns planned in Olympic National Forest

Prescribed burning could start today on Olympic National Forest land in Grays Harbor.

The U.S. Forest Service is alerting anyone who uses that woods that burning of debris is planned for several locations on the Olympic National Forest as soon as weather conditions are favorable, and they say those burns could begin today.  

A release states that these “Prescribed fires are ignited when environmental factors such as fuel moisture levels, wind, temperature, and relative humidity are within a very specific window. “

“Thorough planning is used to minimize smoke impacts; however, it is impossible to predict weather patterns and smoke behavior.  Smoke may be visible nearby while the burns are in progress. Smoke may linger into the night and in the early morning hours, since smoke settles when the air temperature cools and lifts as daytime temperatures warm.” 

Beginning around September 9th, and carrying through the next 4-6 weeks, crews will be in the area and smoke may be seen throughout this time frame. 

No area closures are anticipated during the burns.

Prescribed Fire           Legal Description General Location
Clallam County
KOCC T30N R11W S9,10,11,12,14,16 30 Road
Grays Harbor County
Cougar T21N R8W   S8, 9, 18 2210 Road
The End T22N R9W   S8,17,18,20 2258 Road
Norwood Administrative Site Upper Quinault Valley

 

For additional information about these prescribed fires, please contact Jimmy Flanagan, Interagency Assistant Fire Management Officer – Fuels at 360-288-0238.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.  For general information on the Olympic National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/olympic