The Deschutes National Forest announced on April 19 that it plans to continue prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District if conditions are favorable on Monday.
The planned burn will take place in the Flank 1 Prescribed Burn area, located about 15 miles southeast of Bend, west of Forest Service Road 18 and near the junction with Forest Service Road 25 and Camp II OHV Staging Area. Firefighters expect to ignite up to 501 acres, marking the final unit within the Flank Burn Plan area. Ignitions are scheduled to begin around 9:30 a.m., and smoke will likely be visible from Highway 20 and parts of Bend.
Trail closures have been implemented for portions of the Opine OHV Trails System, specifically Trail #020, #022, and #025. These closures will remain in effect for several days while firefighters conduct mop-up and patrol operations after burning is complete. The trails will reopen once officials determine conditions are safe for public use.
Prescribed burns help protect homes from wildfires by reducing hazardous fuels under controlled conditions. Fire management officials coordinate with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan these burns when weather patterns favor moving smoke away from communities. Despite preventive measures, some communities may still experience smoke during or shortly after prescribed fires.
Residents are advised to close doors and windows at night to minimize indoor smoke exposure. Using portable air cleaners or central air systems with high-efficiency filters can also help improve indoor air quality during smoky periods. Drivers traveling through affected areas should slow down, turn on headlights, and set vehicle air systems to recirculate air. Individuals with heart or lung disease or other chronic health conditions should monitor their symptoms closely during this period.
For more information about prescribed burning in Central Oregon, residents can visit centraloregonfire.org or fs.usda.gov/deschutes for updates specific to Deschutes National Forest.
