June 27, 2025 3:20 a.m.

Covering coastal Douglas County:

Fire officials with the Bureau of Land Management plan to conduct a prescribed burn at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area east of Reedsport on June 30th and July 1st.

A BLM release said agency officials will burn approximately 100 acres of grass to improve elk forage and habitat at the popular wildlife viewing area. They will also reduce hazardous fuels in the roadside grasslands. Currently, the area is home to a wild herd of 80 to 100 Roosevelt Elk.

Umpqua Field Manager Glenn Huff said, “Burning at Dean Creek is one of the best tools we have to encourage nutrient rich grasses to grow”. Huff said, “Green grasses emerge in as little as a week after the burn. This healthy grass is what keep the elk coming back year after year”.

The controlled burn may result in short traffic delays on Highway 38 between mile marker three and six. The BLM asks motorists to travel cautiously through the area. Traffic controllers will help direct traffic during periods of reduced visibility. The main viewing area, kiosk, and restrooms will remain open during the burn operation.

BLM fire 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 Reedsport and other nearby locations.

Contractors, the Coos Forest Protective Association and U.S. Forest Service personnel will assist the BLM with the burning operations.