September 28, 2023 9:50 a.m. 

Smoke will soon be seen through Douglas County as the Douglas Forest Protective Association works with farmers, ranchers and other landowners to complete prescribed burns throughout the Umpqua Valley.

A DFPA release said prescribed burns may be conducted on fields, pastures and hillsides to promote productive grazing lands for livestock and to improve habitat for wildlife. Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said the main objective of prescribed burns is to remove noxious weeds, brush, insects and plant diseases from the proposed burn sites.

Pope said historically, DFPA and local landowners have completed about 10,000 acres of prescribed burns annually throughout Douglas County to improve habitat and pasture lands. Prescribed burns are also beneficial to firefighters by reducing the buildup of brush and other flammable vegetation throughout the area. Pope said fire officials note that many wildfires have been suppressed in open grass fields and hillsides where prescribed burning has taken place periodically over the years.

The release said prescribed burns are made safe by the construction of fire trails around the proposed burn site before fire is introduced onto the landscape. In addition, landowners must be able to show that they have the ability and resources in the form of fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site to maintain control of the prescribed burn. Once fire trails are approved by DFPA and weather conditions are favorable, a permit may be issued to complete the prescribed burn.

Pope said the effects of prescribed burns on populated areas will be minimized by allowing the burns to only take place when both fire conditions and weather patterns are favorable to keep smoke out of large, populated areas.

Effective Friday, DFPA will be initiating the allowance of backyard debris burns by permit only. Burn permits are free, but require an on-site inspection by a DFPA Forest Officer. Burn permit requirements include: a fire trail must surround the entire pile and be down to mineral soil, fire tools, a water source, and at least one able bodied person who will be in attendance at all times.

Permits will be good for one day only. All burn permits must be completed and mopped up within the time frame of the issued permit. To request a burn permit and schedule an inspection appointment, call DFPA at 672-6507.