Fire managers on the Ochoco National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burning on the Crooked River National Grassland beginning Tuesday, March 17, at approximately 10:00 a.m., pending all required approvals. Operations are expected to continue through Thursday, March 19, weather and conditions permitting.
The project will treat approximately 267 acres within the Pace Jackpot burning units 3 and 14, located approximately four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte off Grizzly Road, east of Highway 26.
Smoke may be visible from Prineville, Madras, and along the Highway 26 corridor. Light smoke impacts are possible along SE Grizzly Road, particularly overnight and in the early morning hours as air settles into low-lying areas. Prescribed burn warning signs will be posted along Grizzly Road, in both directions and along Highway 26 near the project area. Drivers should reduce speed, and use headlights, and be prepared for changing visibility.
Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture, and air quality conditions meet criteria for safe and effective operations. If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.
