The Oregon Department of Forestry is planning a two-day prescribed fire project with the town of Butte Falls to further hazard fuel mitigation efforts in the area.
The project is scheduled to take place today and Thursday, with the burns starting in the morning and lasting into the afternoon both days, pending smoke potential and weather condition approvals.
ODF plans to conduct the burns off West Hukill Creek -- located west of Butte Falls -- completing approximately 70 acres of fuel mitigation with the assistance of Grayback Forestry.
This project is part of Butte Falls' Community Forest Project. Following the devastating 2020 wildfires, the town purchased 430 acres of adjacent forestland with numerous goals in mind including wildfire mitigation. Since then, ODF has provided assistance including fuel reduction efforts and pile burning last spring.
ODF officials said weather will play a large role in the determination of ignition both today and tomorrow. Recent rain and warmer weather this week have created prime conditions on the ground. However, potential smoke impact to communities is also taken into consideration when planning a prescribed fire.
If conditions are favorable for the burns to take place, light smoke may be visible in the air in and around the Rogue Valley. Additional rain in the forecast on Friday and Saturday will naturally help to clear out any remaining smoke.
