Single Publication

The Salmon-Scott Ranger District will conduct prescribed burning on the Scott Bar Mountain RX along the Scott River Road from 05/21/24 to 05/24/24. This project aims to burn 125 acres in unit 3C (see attached map) in order to minimize negative fire effects to Oak woodland by reducing surface and ladder fuels. There will be no direct ignition in riparian reserves, or salamander (talus) habitat, or in archeological sites.

Prescribed fire is an important and cost-effective way for fire managers to decrease fuel loadings, improve forest health, and enhance wildlife habitat in the ecosystems of the Klamath National Forest, which evolved with fire. Prescribed fire mimics the effects that naturally occurring fire used to provide to the landscape. These effects include the reduction of fuels, such as sticks and logs, and ladder fuels like smaller trees and brush. This reduction of fuels from prescribed burns promotes a forest that is more resilient to the effects of wildfire, insects, and disease. Decreased fuel loads also help to improve firefighter safety and defensibility of communities during wildfires.

All prescribed fire projects are conducted in accordance with an approved burn plan developed by specialists to ensure the objectives of the burn are met while ensuring the safety of people and property in the area. Burn plans describe the specific conditions under which burns will be conducted including the weather, number of personnel, and opportunities to minimize smoke impacts.

Visitors are asked to avoid areas where prescribed burns are being conducted. Some spur roads near the burn areas may be inaccessible during operations.

As a result of the burn, some residents and visitors may see or smell smoke. They may also witness glowing from the fires at night. People should not be alarmed; the fires will be carefully monitored. Local authorities will be notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout burning operations.