DNR Planning Two Prescribed Burns Totaling 453 Acres in Klickitat County

Prescribed fire operations to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest health near Glenwood may begin as soon as Wednesday, September 30.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning two prescribed fire operations this fall on up to 453 acres of state trust land located in Klickitat County. One burn will include up to 390 acres 2 miles west of Glenwood. The other burn will include up to 63 acres located 3 miles northeast of Glenwood. Both burns may begin as soon as Wednesday, September 30.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to conducting all prescribed fires with safety as the number one priority. Staff follow a burn plan drafted to guide operations within a specific range of optimal weather and ground conditions for the prescribed burn to meet its objectives.

This burn is focused primarily on reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire in the area by consuming slash and surface-level fuels. It will also accelerate natural regeneration on the landscape and reduce the threat of insect and disease outbreaks.

Because safety is paramount when conducting prescribed burns, slight changes to expected conditions the day of a burn may require delaying or postponing a burn on short notice.

Please sign up for the notification system on the DNR burn portal website to receive location-specific alerts about upcoming prescribed burns.

Smoke Management and Closure Information

The smoke impacts from prescribed fire are minimal and short-lived compared to those caused by wildfire. Those who are sensitive to wildfire smoke should be prepared to take similar precautions for a prescribed fire in their area:

Check local air quality at fire.airnow.gov during and after a prescribed burn. 

Children and youth, older adults, pregnant people, and people with chronic health conditions should take steps to reduce exposure when it is smoky. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

If smoke worsens:

• Stay indoors and close windows, if possible. Keep windows closed at night.
• Wear an N95 mask if you must be outside when it is smoky. 
• Limit duration and intensity of outdoor physical activity. 

If you are unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air such as a friend or family's place, a public space, or unimpacted area.

For more information, including tips to keep the air in your home clean, visit the new DNR Smoke Resources webpage. Smoke may be visible on nearby roadways. Burn units and surrounding areas may close to both vehicle and foot traffic of all types during active operations.

Outdoor recreationists and hunters are encouraged to check closure information frequently to ensure the areas they plan to visit are open. All burn areas will have signs posted in advance.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Will Rubin

Communications Manager

Cell: 360-764-0854

[email protected]