September 3, 2024 9:30 a.m.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association will begin issuing permits for prescribed pasture burning as conditions allow.

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said prescribed burns may be conducted on fields and pastures to promote productive grazing lands for livestock and improve wildlife habitat. Pope said the main objective of the prescribed burns is to remove noxious weeds, brush, insects, and plant diseases from the proposed burn sites.

A DFPA release said historically, local landowners have completed about 10,000 acres of prescribed burns annually throughout Douglas County to improve habitat and pasture lands. Prescribed burns also benefit fire fighters by reducing the buildup of brush and other flammable vegetation throughout the area. Pope said many wildfires have been suppressed in open grass fields and hillsides where prescribed burning has occurred periodically.

The release said prescribed burns are made safe by constructing fire trails around the proposed burn site. Landowners are required to have adequate personnel onsite to conduct the burn safely, patrol the area, and mop up after the burning is complete. In addition, landowners must show that they have the ability and resources, such as fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site to maintain control of the prescribed burn. Pope said once fire trails are approved by DFPA and weather conditions are favorable, a permit maybe issued to complete the prescribed burn.

More fire season information is available at www.dfpa.net