September 10, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

The Douglas Forest Protective Association will begin issuing permits for prescribed burns as weather conditions allow.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachael Pope said prescribed burning helps landowners improve pastures, control weeds and brush, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce vegetation that can fuel wildfires. Pope said prescribed burns can also help firefighters by reducing the buildup of brush, grass and other vegetation that can fuel wildfires.

The DFPA release said fire officials have seen wildfire slowed or suppressed in open grass fields and hillsides where prescribed burning has been conducted periodically.

Pope said there is a short weather-dependent window to safely and effectively complete prescribed burns. Fuels must be dry enough for the burn to be effective, while weather conditions must allow the fire to remain under control. As new green growth begins, prescribed burns can become less effective

Prescribed burns are made safer by building fire trails around the planned burn site. Landowners must have enough personnel on site to safely conduct the burn, patrol the area, and mop up after the burn.

Landowners must also demonstrate that they have the resources needed to keep the prescribed burn under control, including adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel. Once fire trails are approved by DFPA and weather conditions are suitable, a permit can be issued to conduct the prescribed burn.

Pope said weather conditions are also carefully considered to help keep smoke away from homes and populated areas. Burns will only be approved when weather and fire conditions are favorable for safely managing smoke.

Pope said debris burning is currently restricted and DFPA is not currently issuing permits for backyard debris burning.

More fire season information from the Douglas Forest Protective Association is available at: www.dfpa.net