October 30, 2024 3:05 a.m.

Due to the recent snowfall, Crater Lake National Park Fire Management staff are implementing three prescribed fire projects this fall.

Fire managers at the park have begun burning operations and will continue throughout the fall as conditions allow.

These prescribed burns include

– The Munson Valley Defensible Space project, which will burn 8 acres of debris cut in the park housing area in Munson Valley.

– The Munson Valley Road project will burn a total of 160 acres of piles and material cut last year along Munson Valley Road starting at the Annie Springs entrance station and spanning seven miles north.

-The North Entrance Road project includes10 acres of debris piles along the east side of North Entrance Road.

Officials said weather, fire behavior, and smoke forecasts 3will be monitored before, during, and after each burn to ensure the desired effects are achieved.

Fire management personnel will patrol and monitor the prescribed fires until they are completely extinguished.

Park officials said these projects will not only provide much needed defensible space around critical park structures but will also improve forest health and protect wildlife habitat by reducing the amount of dead woody debris that can lead to larger, more intense fire events.

Highway 62 through the park and Munson Valley Road to Rim Village are expected to remain open during the prescribed fire operations.

For additional information, call the Crater Lake National Park Fire Management officer at 541-594-3062.