The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

Scenic Area to start burning

In Catherine Creek area

November 06, 2012

Fire Managers at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are taking advantage of the cooler weather to start fall prescribed burns.

Pile burning started in the Catherine Creek/Burdoin Mountain area on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Additional burning may resume again after the weekend.

Burns will occur in the Collins Slide and Catherine Creek area over the next few months, weather permitting.

This is an ongoing effort to reduce the potential of catastrophic wildfires and improve forest health and reduce the smoke from potential wildfires.

Prescribed burns are a proactive tool used to achieve a number of objectives including ecosystem restoration and reduction of hazardous fuels (overgrown vegetation). Prescribed burns can help reduce the threat of wildfire, recycle nutrients that increase soil productivity, improve wildlife habitat and increase the resiliency of the treated stands to the effects of wildfire.

Smoke may be visible on Washington State Route 14 and Interstate 84 at times during the duration of the burns.

Where necessary, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights.

The actual days of ignition for this burn project will depend on several factors including appropriate temperature, fuel moisture, wind speed and duration. Burning will only occur on days when the State Smoke Management Offices indicate suitable weather conditions for smoke dispersal are present.

"Fire managers will conduct burns only if all conditions allow for safe and successful burning operations," said Roland Rose, fuels specialist.

For further information, please contact Roland Rose, at 541-308-1723.