Prescribed Burning Begins in Northern Idaho
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COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coeur d’Alene District has started their annual prescribed fire program. District Manager Kurt Pindel explains, “Prescribed burning allows firefighters to reduce hazardous fuels while conditions are favorable. Conducting burning in a more controlled environment ultimately provides for the safety of firefighters and the public which is always our highest priority.”
Fire managers are carrying out prescribed burning operations across the forest throughout the spring and fall. The exact timing and acreage of burns will vary depending on fuel conditions and wind patterns. Continued burning usually occurs within burn units for several days until fuels are consumed, or moisture puts out the fire. Burned areas will be monitored to ensure that fire remains within the unit boundaries. For more information, including a list of prescribed fires and locations, go to https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=fece8fcdc1aa43e0b2b2eb988e196942.
Burned areas can be very hazardous. The public is urged to stay away from these areas during burning operations and for a few days afterward. Signs will be posted along access roads and near affected trailheads and trail junctions during operations. Temporary access restrictions or closures may be used if necessary, for public safety.
People with respiratory problems and those sensitive to smoke may want to avoid these areas during burning operations. The BLM Coeur d’Alene District is a member of the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group, which monitors and limits the accumulation of smoke from controlled burns.
The BLM manages more than 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.