More than 500 acres of pile burning begins soon near Grizzly Mountain on Crooked River National Grassland
KTVZ
(Update: Adding video)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) –Fire managers on the Ochoco National Forest plan to begin prescribed pile burning in the PACE project area near Grizzly Mountain on the Crooked River National Grassland, starting in early December if conditions are favorable.
Operations will focus on PACE Unit 22, a 562-acre unit located off Highway 26, about two miles southwest of Grizzly Mountain, near the Crooked River National Grassland boundary.
Crews plan to burn 100–200 acres per day, when weather conditions meet prescribed fire parameters, officials said Wednesday.
The burning will continue over several days or weeks, depending on conditions. Minimal mop-up is expected, and patrol needs will depend on fire behavior and forecasted weather.
The project is designed to reduce hazardous fuels, maintain more open and resilient stands, and improve habitat and forage conditions. Portions of the unit have been previously thinned and grazed, and removing piled material will help reduce the potential for high-intensity wildfire and support future firefighter operations.
An additional 1,000 acres within the broader PACE project area are planned for burning later this winter and spring.
Smoke from the pile burning may be visible from Prineville and Madras. Light smoke impacts are possible along Highway 26, but the forest says drivers should use headlights and slow down if visibility is reduced. Residents near Grizzly Mountain may notice increased morning smoke as air settles in low-lying areas.
Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture, and air quality conditions meet the criteria for safe and effective operations. If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed.
