The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) will begin issuing permits for prescribed pasture burning as conditions allow. Prescribed burns may be conducted on fields and pastures to promote productive grazing lands for livestock and improve wildlife habitat. The main objective of the prescribed burns is to remove noxious weeds, brush, insects, and plant diseases from the proposed burn sites.
Historically, local landowners have completed about 10,000 acres of prescribed burns annually throughout Douglas County to improve habitat and pasture lands. Prescribed burns also benefit firefighters by reducing the buildup of brush and other flammable vegetation throughout the area. Fire officials note that many wildfires have been suppressed in open grass fields and hillsides where prescribed burning has occurred periodically.
Prescribed burns are made safe by constructing fire trails around the proposed burn site. Landowners are required to have adequate personnel onsite to conduct the burn safely, patrol the area, and mop up after the burning is complete. In addition, landowners must show that they have the ability and resources, such as fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site, to maintain control of the prescribed burn. Once fire trails are approved by DFPA and weather conditions are favorable, a permit may be issued to complete the prescribed burn.
Fire officials say that prescribed burns will minimize the effects on populated areas by only taking place when fire conditions and weather patterns are favorable for keeping smoke out of large, populated areas.
Would you like to learn more about prescribed fire? Oregon State University has educational information easily accessible online:
AT THIS TIME, WE ARE NOT APPROVING BURN PERMITS FOR BACKYARD DEBRIS BURNS.
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