Ochocos Natl. Forest, Ore. – With recent rain and cooler temperatures reducing the danger of wildfire, the Ochoco National Forest is planning to ignite two controlled burns this week.
The Rush Springs burn, will be about 15 miles north-east of Prineville and three miles north of the Ochoco Ranger Station near Forest Service Road 2620, according to officials with the Forest Service.
About 320 acres will be burned starting today (Monday), and the work is expected to take two days.
The second burn will be approximately 333 acres near Elkhorn Campground along Forest Service Road 16 in the Maury Mountains. The East Maury burn is scheduled to start Wednesday and last two days.
Light smoke is expected from both fires, but traffic is not expected to be an issue for motorists.
The controlled burns aim to reduce brush, vegetation and small trees that could fuel a wildfire.