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Fall prescribed burns planned in Northwest Oregon

Oregon-Washington
Media Contact
Camille Bennett
971-458-3099
BLM Office:
Northwest Oregon District Office
Prescribed burn. Photo by BLM Oregon staff.
Prescribed burn. Photo by BLM staff.

EUGENE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to implement seasonal prescribed burns in specific locations near Eugene and Springfield as early as Thursday, September 25, if conditions are favorable.

The following locations are included in this fall’s prescribed burn plans, part of BLM’s comprehensive fire management efforts:

  • 12 acres of BLM-administered land near Coburg Hills and Dorena Lake Reservoir
  • 100 acres of BLM-administered portions of the West Eugene Wetlands, in coordination with the Rivers to Ridges (R2R) partnership, to enhance the natural wetlands for native plants and animals
  • 30 acres of a Nails Knob timber sale unit (approximately 10 miles west of Junction City) to manage and reduce timber-related debris, improving conditions for seedling survival

Fire is an essential, natural process, having shaped the landscape for thousands of years. It releases and recycles nutrients from vegetation, duff, and soil layers. In addition to improving the overall health of natural areas, prescribed fire reduces buildup of hazardous fuels and lowers the risk of high-severity wildland fire.

All prescribed burning is highly dependent on favorable temperature, moisture, and wind conditions. Each of these prescribed burns represents many months of preparation and will only be implemented if the conditions are right to meet the objectives of the burn, and if personnel are available based on geographic and national preparedness levels. All prescribed burn areas are patrolled during and following ignitions.

BLM fire officials coordinate with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s smoke management program to burn during favorable weather conditions to minimize the amount of smoke in local communities. While mitigation measures are planned, smoke from the burns may be visible near Springfield and Eugene.

What does this mean for you?

  • During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
  • All residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
  • When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
  • If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, ask your doctor about how to protect yourself from smoke.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.