Planned Prescribed Burns to Reduce Fire Danger on Mt. Hood NF
Release Date: Nov 5, 2019
Zigzag, OR—Fire Management personnel will be conducting prescribed burns this week on the Barlow Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest.
The planned burn locations are:
- Shamrock 1: 180 acres (north of FS Road 44, between FS Roads 4430 and 4440)
- Star 3: 103 acres (north of Camp Baldwin off FS Road 4440)
Residents living on the east side of Mt. Hood can expect to see smoke for a few days following ignition. Prescribed burning operations are planned to begin on Wednesday, November 6th, however operations could take place any time during the next two weeks, depending on conditions.
A portion of the Eightmile Campground Interpretive Trail will be closed for approximately two to three days while the Shamrock Prescribed Fire is being conducted. Fire Crews will post signs in the area prior to ignition.
Visitors in the vicinity of Eightmile and Lower Eightmile Campgrounds should expect to see smoke, firefighting personnel, and equipment in the area. The campgrounds are currently closed for the season.
Fire Managers ask motorists to please use caution while driving on forest roads if smoke, firefighters, or fire equipment are present. Turn on lights, and proceed with caution through the area.
The objective of these prescribed fires is to reduce vegetation within these areas so that future fires will be of low intensity. Fire is a natural part of forest ecosystems. By strategically choosing where, when, and how fire is used we can help move these areas to a condition where, should a wildfire occur, potential risk to life and property would be minimized.
These areas are part of the Billy Bob Fuels Reduction Project. Prior treatments include tree thinning and pile burning. Completion of these prescribed burns is part of the restoration process of reintroducing fire to this ecosystem and returning it to a Fire Regime 1, which is characterized by frequent fires at low intensities.
For smoke and prescribed fire updates, you can visit our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
You can also call Rick Lancaster, Fuels Specialist at the Barlow Ranger District office at 541-467-5130.
###
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”