Prescribed burns planned in Panhandle
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September 6, 2013 |
National forest visitors this fall can expect to
see occasional smoke and short term area
closures due to planned prescribed fires in
various locations across the Idaho Panhandle.
It is recommended that hunters, hikers, campers
and other forest visitors check the Idaho
Panhandle National Forest (IPNF)
website
for prescribed fire locations and updates before
venturing into the woods this fall. Not all
planned locations will be ignited this fall, but
when conditions are right the forest website
will be updated and fire crews will post signs
in the area and visit nearby campsites prior to
ignition. For a full listing of potential
prescribed fire sites, including maps, please
visit the
IPNF Prescribed Fire web page or
www.northidahorxfire.com.
“Our prescribed fires complement local community
wildfire protection plans, and provide great
benefits to forest health,” said District Ranger
Chad Hudson. “The end result will be reduced
wildfire risks for local communities, improved
wildlife habitat and a large step toward
restoring the forest’s resiliency to threats
such as uncharacteristic fires, insects and
disease.”
Active burning will occur at each site for a
period of two to three days, with smoldering
fire afterward until rain or snow extinguishes
the fires. Burn areas can pose very hazardous
conditions such as rapid and unpredictable
spreading of flames, falling trees, heavy smoke
and limited visibility, and rolling rocks and
logs.
Members of the public are urged to stay away
from these areas during burning operations and
for a few days afterward.
If you plan on recreating or hunting in these
project areas make sure you understand your
location relative to the burn units. If you find
yourself in an active burn area, you should
travel downslope or away from the predominant
path of flames, because fire typically burns
fastest upslope. When burn dates or date ranges
are forecasted, signs will be posted along
access roads and near affected trailheads and
trail junctions. Temporary access restrictions
or closures may be utilized if deemed necessary
for public safety.
For more information about planned prescribed
fires, or visiting your national forest, please
contact your local US Forest Service office. |
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