Forest Service halts prescribed burning

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland have announced that all prescribed fire ignitions have been postponed until further notice.

“In consideration of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic locally and in our region, all burning will be suspended at this time,” said Kassidy Kern, USFS Public Affairs Specialist. “The safety and health of our communities are our highest priority. Potential smoke impacts to the public are considered in all prescribed fire and wildfire management.

“This decision to temporarily postpone ignitions will prevent any effects from smoke that might further worsen conditions for those who are at risk in our communities, while reducing exposure for employees who might not otherwise need to travel, and creating social distancing for resources working on a fire.”

Keep up with prescribed burns in Central Oregon by visiting www.centraloregonfire.org.