Hunters should be aware of upcoming prescribed fire in areas of Sawtooth National Forest in October

Hunters planning to spend time in game management units 43, 54 and 55 this October should be aware of prescribed burns planned by the Sawtooth National Forest Service. Depending on weather conditions, burning operations may overlap with fall hunting seasons and temporarily affect access to portions of these units.

The prescribed burns are intended to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health and restore wildlife habitat. Hunters planning trips near the proposed burn areas should be prepared for smoke, increased activity from crews, and temporary area closures lasting several days.

The following projects planned for this fall:

- Unit 43 - Paradise Prescribed Fire Project: Crews are targeting 1,000 to 3,700 acres approximately 25 miles north of Fairfield and half a mile east of the Sawtooth Methodist Camp. An additional 30 acres of previously constructed slash piles are planned for burning near the Smokey Summer Homes community. Alert start date for area closures begins on October 5.

- Unit 54 - Rock Creek Fuels and Vegetation Project: Crews plan to burn approximately 228 acres within the project area, located about 28 miles southeast of Twin Falls.

- Unit 55 - Albion-Raft River Aspen Habitat Restoration Project: Crews are burning up to 4,650 acres in the southern Albion Mountains, approximately 14 miles southeast of Oakley, 10 miles southwest of Elba and 15 miles north of the Utah state line. Burning began on September 28 and is currently active.

Hunters are encouraged to check for updates before heading into the field. Closures are in effect from September 28-October 31, and information on prescribed fire activity and current closures is available through the Forest Service's Prescribed Fire Planned Actions interactive map.

Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas during burning operations. Hunters and other visitors can check current air quality conditions at AirNow.gov.

For more information, visit the Sawtooth National Forest website or contact the respective Ranger District office. You can also reach out to Miranda Reinson or Brandon Tycz at the Magic Valley Regional Office at 208-324-4359.