Prescribed Fires Planned on the Six Rivers National Forest to Reduce Hazardous Fuels and Improve Forest Health

Press release from Six Rivers National Forest Service:

[Prescribed burn image created with the assistance of Chat GPT]

The Six Rivers National Forest is planning to conduct multiple prescribed fires beginning the end of June on the Orleans and Ukonom Ranger Districts to reduce the risk of wildfires. The low- to medium-intensity burns also create healthier, more diverse, and more resilient forests that can better support wildlife.

The dates for the burns and the actual number of units burned will depend upon weather conditions. Burning days are changeable because the proper conditions are needed- wind and relative humidity are key factors in fire behavior, safety, and smoke control. Prescribed burning will only occur when environmental conditions permit. During the burns, proper personnel and equipment will be on site and some roads and trails may be closed to ensure safety.

All prescribed burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants, and historic sites are not harmed. Habitat for a variety of wildlife species can be improved through carefully planned and executed prescribed burns. Regular burns promote the growth of plants that provide food for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and elk.

Prescribed burning is an important and versatile forest management tool that can mimic natural fire disturbances and reduce underbrush and flammable vegetation, which is key to limiting wildfire risk. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size, conditions, and weather. Prescribed fire smoke is generally less intense and of much shorter duration than smoke produced by unwanted wildfires.

The Six Rivers National Forest will issue notifications prior to burn implementation. Notifications will be posted to the forest website and Facebook page. Below are the planned prescribed fire projects for the Orleans and Ukonom Ranger Districts including our partners that help make these burns possible.

 

Orleans Ranger District Project Areas:

Orleans Community Protection Plan

Roots and Shoots Project

Leary Project

Red Salmon Suppression Repair piles

 

Ukonom Ranger District Project Areas:

WKRP Somes Bar Integrated Fire Management Project

McCash Suppression Repair piles

 

Partners: Western Klamath Restoration Partnership (including members from the Karuk Tribe, Mid Klamath Watershed Council, Orleans-Somes Bar Fire Safe Council, Salmon River Restoration Council, The Nature Conservancy Fire Learning Network, Klamath Forest Alliance, Environmental Protection Information Center, University of California Berkeley, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and US Fish and Wildlife Service.