July 1, 2024 11:15 a.m. 

A prescribed pasture burn is tentatively scheduled through Wednesday, near the intersection of Driver Valley Road and Old Pioneer Road in the Oakland area.

Douglas Forest Protective Association Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said a blanket permit has been issued. Pope said smoke may be visible in the area from 10:00 a.m. until the end of each day.

Pope said the main objective of the prescribed burn is to remove noxious weeds, brush, insects, and plant diseases from the proposed burn site.

Historically, DFPA and local landowners have completed about 10,000 acres of prescribed burns annually throughout Douglas County to improve habitat and pasture lands. The release said prescribed burns are also beneficial to firefighters by reducing the buildup of brush and other flammable vegetation throughout the area. 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.

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