September 12, 2025 11:00 a.m.

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

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said such prescribed burns may be performed on fields and pastures to foster productive grazing lands for livestock and to enhance wildlife habitats. Pope said the primary aim of these prescribed burns is to eliminate noxious weeds, brush, insects and plant diseases from the designated burn sites.

A DFPA release said historically local landowners have conducted about 10,000 acres of prescribed burns each year throughout Douglas County to improve habitat and pasturelands. Prescribed burns also help firefighters by reducing the accumulation of brush and other combustible vegetation across the area. Fire officials have noted that  many wildfires have been suppressed in open grass fields and hillsides where prescribed burning has been conducted periodically.

Pope said prescribed burns are made safer by building fire trails around the planned burn site. Landowners must have enough personnel on-site to perform the burn safely, patrol the area, and mop up after the burn. Additionally, landowners need to demonstrate they have the ability and resources, such as fire suppression equipment and personnel, to keep control of the prescribed burn.

Fire officials say that prescribed burns will minimize effects on populated areas by only occurring when fire conditions and weather patterns are favorable for keeping smoke out of large, populated areas.

Pope said at this time, DFPA is not approving burn permits for backyard debris burns.

Fire season information is available at: www.dfpa.net