LAKEVIEW, ORE. – Prescribed fire season has arrived in South Central Oregon, and fire managers on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management, Crater Lake National Park, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex will be applying prescribed fire to the landscape.

Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health and wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels to minimize the threat of high-intensity, severe wildfires in our area. Applying prescribed fire is a part of our continued commitment to protecting communities and natural resources from wildfires.

During the next few months, area residents and visitors may notice smoke or fire on public lands in various areas. Each prescribed fire can appear different visually depending on the forest type, fuel load, prescribed fire objectives, and how long fire has been absent from the area. Areas, where prescribed fire operations are taking place, will be well signed and may have increased fire personnel, traffic, and smoke in the area. Please stay clear of these areas for public and firefighter safety when possible.


Prescribed fire occurs on days when the Oregon Department of Forestry Smoke Management Office indicates there are suitable weather conditions for smoke dispersal. Following that approval, if overall fuel and weather conditions are favorable, firefighters ignite a test fire before moving forward with the prescribed fire. If the test-fire indicates conditions are not suitable, the prescribed fire will be postponed until conditions improve. All prescribed fire operations are monitored and patrolled frequently by fire professionals, to ensure public safety.

All South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership employees are committed to a safe and successful prescribed fire season for the public and employees within these designated areas.

For more information and current updates, check online at Facebook at facebook.com/SCOFMPFireInfo