Prescribed Fires Scheduled for the Rogue and Applegate Valley
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Medford, Ore. – The BLM will be conducting prescribed fires (controlled burns) on BLM-administered lands at the northern end of the Rogue Valley and the Applegate Valley, starting on Monday, April 23rd, and will continue as conditions allow.
Prescribed fires help create fire resilient landscapes. Specifically, prescribed fires reduce wildfire risk, restore natural ecological processes and functions, and help achieve other land management objectives. Thoughtful consideration is given to managing smoke, accessing roads and trails, and the safety of surrounding communities. All prescribed fires are monitored before, during, and after treatments. Other considerations prior to burning include air temperature, wind direction, fuel moisture (the percentage of moisture in the vegetation that will allow it to burn at an acceptable level) and the relative humidity. If any of these conditions are not met, then burning would not occur. As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as we pursue our multiple-use mission.
Prescribed fire areas include:
- Near Cantrall Buckley Park in Jackson County. Smoke will be visible from Highway 238, and the communities of Ruch and Applegate.
- The upper end of Thompson Creek, where it intersects Ninemile Creek. Expect 2-3 days of burning and smoke production with several days of mop-up and patrolling to follow. Smoke with be visible from the Applegate Valley and possibly Medford, Phoenix, Talent, and Ashland.
- Three units above Upper Applegate road east of Star Ranger Station. Smoke will be visible from the Applegate Valley.
- Trail Creek near Shady Cove. Smoke will be visible from the north end of the Rogue Valley.
For local information, contact the Medford District Office at 541-618-2400. For additional information on prescribed burning, please visit: blm.gov/or/resources/fire/prescribedburns/burn_bkgrnd.php
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.