KAMIAH— With the official arrival of Fall, Fire Managers across the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are closely monitoring fuel conditions and weather forecasts with the hopes of catching a small window of opportunity to implement some small-scale prescribed burning. Several ranger districts intend to burn multiple slash piles and smaller BD (Brush Disposal) units before the predicted wet weather next week.
These projects are intended to help reduce hazardous fuels, restore wildlife habitat, and create better protection around communities from future wildfires.
Pile and BD unit burning may take place as early as this weekend (October 6/7/8) and will be short in duration. Similar burning may continue to take place through the next month, as weather and conditions allow.
Some smoke and flames may be visible where piles are being burned, but no significant smoke or road impacts are expected from any of these operations.
For more information, or questions about any planned prescribed fire projects on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests please contact your local ranger district office, or you can also call the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ Fire Information Line at 208-935-6134.
Fall Prescribed Burn Plans on the Nez Perce-Clearwater NF as of reporting time:
Moose Creek Ranger District
For questions, please contact Dustin Decker 208-926-8948.
Marek Timber Sale will consist of 14 acres of jackpot burning between two units and 100 acres of machine and landing piles from Hamby Saddle to Lookout Butte along National Forest Service Roads (NFSR) #286, NFSR #464, NFSR #1129, and NFSR #1124. The burn will occur as early as today and potentially continue into Monday, October 9, 2023, depending on weather conditions.
There may be short-duration smoke impacts along the mentioned roadways.
Tinker Bug Timber Sale will consist of 32 acres of landing piles and 208 acres of machine piles in the Big Cedar Creek, Big and Little Tinker Creek, Tahoe Creek, and the Forest Boundary along NFSR #286 and NFSR #286A. Burning will occur as early as October 11 and potentially continue through November 15, 2023, depending on weather conditions.
Short-duration smoke impacts may occur along NFSR #286.
Palouse Ranger District
For questions, please contact Alan Carlson 208-875-1702.
Greenhorn Stewardship Prescribed Burn will be conducting approximately 190 acres of burning between BD units and piles, with an additional 16 acres near Elk River. Burning units from the Greenhorn Stewardship project are approximately two airmiles north of Laird Park Campground. Units will begin to be burned starting this weekend and continuing into Fall, as weather conditions allow.
Any smoke impacts to roads or the area will be short in duration.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cottonwood Field Office plans to burn up to 250 acres of piles left from hazardous fuels treatment work across north central Idaho. Pile burning will begin this fall, and continue through the winter of 2024, if desired weather, soil moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions are met. Smoke may be visible in the area for several days after the ignition phase of the prescribed fire is completed. The BLM will monitor the piles until they are completely out. Ignition of the prescribed fires will cease if there is a change in burning conditions and management objectives are not being met.
The prescribed fire units are in the Marshall Mountain, Eagle Creek, Too Smokey, 672, Spruce Up and Iron Wagon project areas. Additional areas for pile burning may include any BLM Administrative sites.
If you are particularly sensitive to smoke or would like to be notified each day of the burn, please contact the BLM front desk at 208-962-3245.