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Payette National Forest Prepares for Fall/Winter Prescribed Burning

McCall, Idaho – September 1, 2023 – The Payette National Forest will be conducting multiple prescribed fires this fall and into the winter.  Depending on weather conditions burns could take place anytime between late August through January.

These prescribed fires reduce surface fuels, increase the height of the canopy, reduce small tree densities, and promote fire-resilient trees, thereby improving our ability to protect communities from wildfire. Additionally, these fires improve wildlife habitat and promote long-term ecosystem integrity and sustainability by reducing the risk of high-severity wildland fire. Prescribed fire is an important component of natural resource management and part of the comprehensive fire management program on the Payette National Forest.

The New Meadows Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Brush Creek project area (10 miles NW of New Meadows) and in the Goose project area (3 miles east of New Meadows).

The Council Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Weasel project area (13 miles northwest of Council) and in the Mill Creek-Council Mountain project area (5 miles northeast of Council).

The Weiser Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Robinson project area (22 miles north of Weiser).

The Krassel Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Bald Hill project area 3 miles east of Yellow Pine) and the Four Mile project area (18 miles east of McCall).

Trailheads and roads that lead into these areas will be posted with caution signs and a map of the prescribed burn locations. Fire personnel will work closely with the Idaho/Montana Airshed Group, the National Weather Service, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that smoke impacts are minimized. 

The decision to ignite on any given day will depend on favorable weather conditions and the need to reduce smoke effects as much as possible. Smoke from these prescribed fires will be much less than what would be expected from a wildfire. If smoke concentrations approach air quality standards fire ignition may be delayed until air quality improves. Residual smoke may be visible for up to 2 weeks following ignition, but most of the smoke from the fires is anticipated to dissipate 1-2 days after ignition. 

Additionally, pile burning may occur across the forest where piles have been created during previous forest management activities.

For the most current information about prescribed burning projects please visit the Payette Facebook page or visit the Payette National Forest planned fuels treatments map at https://tinyurl.com/Payette-Prescribed-Fire-Map

For more information on the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy and the Southwest Idaho Landscape project, visit this link:  Southwest Idaho Landscape Project