SPOKANE, Wash. – If you live in eastern Washington, you could see some smoke in the region later this month while the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WSFW) conducts two prescribed burns.
“These fires will treat approximately 200 acres of eastern Washington wildlife areas,” WSFW said.
WSFW plans to burn 80 acres at Rustler’s Gulch, part of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area, about 20 miles west of Newport. The other 120 acres will be burned near the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in Cougar Canyon, 10 miles west of Naches.
“The goal of both fires is to reduce fuels that could contribute to catastrophic wildfire, return fire to the landscape in a safe way, and improve habitat for wildlife including big game species,” said Matt Eberlein, WDFW prescribed fire manager.
According to WSFW, prescribed burns reduce the risk of future wildfires and decrease the severity of a wildfire when one does happen. WSFW also said prescribed fires improve wildlife areas and habitats.
Fire crews monitor prescribed burns until they are completely out, as safety remains the primary concern for WDFW officials. Fire crews also work closely with WDFW for the best times to burn, reducing wildlife impacts and stress.
“Due to changing weather conditions, some of the burns may not occur, or may only be partially completed. Smoke conditions from the prescribed burns are continually monitored and follow state and local air quality restrictions. If conditions degrade, burns will stop until air quality improves. Additional burns on WDFW-managed eastern Washington lands could be announced if conditions allow,” WDFW said.
