June 16, 2025 3:50 a.m.

The Bureau of Land Management, Roseburg District, is preparing for a 122-acre prescribed burn within the North Umpqua Management Area, approximately six miles west of Glide off North Bank Road.

A BLM release said fire ignitions may begin as early as Monday, if conditions are favorable. Local systems may be impacted, including the west entrance parking lot, Blacktail Ridge Trail, Middle Ridge Trail, Chasm Creek Road, Thistle Ridge Trail and North Gate Trail. The public is advised to practice caution, as increased equipment and personnel traffic may be present.

The primary objectives for the operations are to increase the quantity and quality of forage, reduce invasive species, create a more fire-resilient landscape and restore oak woodlands. BLM said prescribed fire is one of the most important tools used to reduce wildfire risk to local communities and wildlife habitats.

BLM officials coordinate with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s smoke management program to burn during weather conditions that minimize the amount of smoke in local communities. Smoke from the burn may be visible from Glide and other nearby locations.

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.

*Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts

*When driving in smoky areas, motorists should slow down and turn on headlights.

The burn is being accomplished with cooperation with the Douglas Forest Protective Association, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Umpqua National Forest, Wolf Creek Job Corp. and the Oregon Conservation Corps of the Umpqua Valley.