Land managers and public health officials have come together to develop two new tools that will provide Central Oregonians with a one-stop shop fire information resource. Central Oregon Fire (www.centraloregonfire.org) offers up to date information on prescribed fire and wildfire locations, smoke impacts, and health resources.
Also, you can sign up for text alerts about prescribed fire by texting “cofire” to 888777.
Living in a fire adapted ecosystem means Central Oregonians have a season for wildfire and another for prescribed fire. Residents will start seeing prescribed burns around Central Oregon in preparation for fire season and to create a healthier forest.
Prescribed burning is primarily done in the spring and fall. Whenever fire is used deliberately as a tool to improve the health of the forest and increase community and firefighter safety, it requires careful planning and is conducted under specific conditions of temperature, wind, and humidity.