Prescribed Burns Scheduled For Eastern Washington

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled a host of prescribed burns for the eastern portion of the state for the month of April. The burns will take place on WDFW wildlife areas in an effort to reduce the risk of future wildfires as well as reduce the severity of wildfires when they occur.

As long as the weather cooperates, crews will burn:

• 500 acres in Chelan County, 20 miles southeast of Wenatchee in the Colockum Wildlife Area,
• 440 acres in Pend Oreille County, 20 miles west of Newport in the Rustlers Gulch Wildlife Area,
• 210 acres in Yakima County, 10 miles west of Naches in the Oak Creek Wildlife Area
• 320 acres in Kittitas County, 15 miles west of Ellensburg in the LT Murray Wildlife Area

Funding for these prescribed burns comes from the state’s 2021-2023 Capital Budget and grants.

“Before the wildfire season starts is the best time to reduce hazardous fire conditions,” said WDFW prescribed fire manager Matt Eberlein. “Prescribed fires are monitored continuously until out, with public safety being a primary concern. We also work closely with our wildlife area managers on habitat concerns and the best times to burn each area to reduce wildlife impacts and stress.”

“The areas slated for prescribed fire encompass portions of wildlife areas, leaving hundreds or thousands more acres available for public access,” said Eberlein. “In the long-term, the work will preserve ecosystems and enable people to continue using public lands.”

Signs are posted in advance of all prescribed fires to inform recreationists, but smoke and visibility can still be an issue. Please watch for fire personnel or equipment and slow down if you experience reduced visibility while driving.

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