Prescribed burns to begin on Colville National Forest

Prescribed burns are beginning across the Colville National Forest, according to a press release.

The prescribed burns are being conducted by Colville National Forest staff, with assistance from local federal agencies and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The anticipated start date for underburning was Monday, March 29, with the advent of favorable weather conditions. The prescribed burns will likely conclude May 31.

Prescribe burns help restore healthy and resilient forest conditions by:

• Reducing hazardous (flashy-type) fuels that lend to more rapid wildfire spread

• Reducing forest undergrowth and post-harvest slash

• Promoting fire tolerant tree species

• Providing forage opportunities for game

• Recycling nutrients back into the soil

• Promoting growth of fire adapted and native vegetation

“Putting fire on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels and to benefit forest health is important for our landscape," Shane Robson, Colville National Forest deputy fire/fuels manager, said. "Our partnership with the other land management agencies doing similar work in the broader northeast Washington area is equally as important."

The prescribed fire events are done with strict adherence to the Washington DNR’s smoke management plan. Even so, Colville National Forest officials said motorists are reminded to use caution when approaching these areas. Reduce speed and be alert for the presence of vehicles, personnel, and smoke over the road.

More information on smoke and public health is available online at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.