Prescribed Burn Information through October 20, 2017
Prescribed burns operations will be occurring in the Chumstick, Eagle Creek, Plain and Lake Wenatchee watersheds depending on weather conditions.
Expect reduced visibility along roads and in Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee areas.
Burning operations will cease by 6:00 pm each evening.
Key Messages
What is Prescribed Fire? The planned application of fire in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason, by professionals
Why do we use it?
Why now?
Weather conditions influence fire behavior. The time of year, wind, temperature, humidity, and fuel moisture are all considered before the Washington Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with Dept. of Ecology, approve the burn.
Smoke impacts to communities are an important consideration. This time of year, as compared to hotter, drier summer months allows for managers to better predict the amount and distribution of smoke.
Isn’t it too windy?
Fire managers take on-the-ground spot weather reports and utilize NOAA predications each day. Wind helps disperse smoke and provide “uplift” (i.e., move the smoke above ground level) and is necessary to move the burn. Fire practitioners are trained to take into account wind speed and direction and manage the burn accordingly.
Please excuse our Smoke
We understand that this current fire season has prolonged impacts of smoke on communities. However, smoke from controlled burns this fall will be significantly less impactful than the summer’s wildfire smoke. While inconvenient, smoke is a sign that important restoration work is taking place—making our forests healthier and communities safer.
How come the USFS gets to burn and I don’t?
Jurisdictions for burning are determined by different governmental entities depending on who owns the land.
For current burning restrictions on County (unincorporated private lands), State, and Federal lands, please visit: waburnbans.net
Chelan County Unincorporated (Private Lands): Contact your local fire district for current burning restrictions on private land. Burn bans may be in effect until September 30.
For current information, please contact:
USFS Lands:
The USFS creates a burn plan that is technically reviewed and agency approved before a prescribed burn. The burn boss then must obtain smoke approval from the Washington Department of Natural Resources in coordination with the Department of Ecology to burn on their lands. In other words, State agencies monitor and approve allowances for smoke from prescribed burns on Federal lands based on weather conditions.
The USFS regulates the public’s use of fire on USFS lands.
Forested Lands: For current burning restrictions on State and Federal lands, please visit: waburnbans.net
Health & Safety
Prescribed Burn Information through October 20, 2017 Document