September 19, 2023 3:50 a.m.

On Tuesday, the Tiller Ranger District plans to begin prescribed burns near Tiller and Forest Service Road 28.

An Umpqua National Forest release said the burns will be on the Mill Hill, Tiller Compound and 3-C’s campground units within the community of Tiller and a popular campground.

The results will reduce fuel loading, helping to reduce the risk of high severity fires and assist in the return of historical fire to the area as well as improve the health and resiliency of remaining timber stands. It will also remove and slow the spreading of invasive plant species such as Himalayan Blackberry and Scotch broom.

The Forest Service is working closely with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Tiller Volunteer Fire Department, with both entities on-site and providing support when the burns are taking place. The Mill Hill burn unit prescribed burn will be directly along the Tiller Trail Highway. The 3C unit will be directly along FS Road 28. Smoke and flames will be visible from the highway. Residents in the area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts.

The release said fire personnel will be working on roadways. Motorists are asked to slow down and drive carefully when going through burn areas. During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.

Call the Tiller Ranger Station at 825-3100 for more information.