Area logging operators are taking advantage of the break in the weather to conduct controlled burning of slash piles, unwanted debris from the timber cutting.
Smoke and flames will likely be visible during the burning in the Hazel Camp, Garderner Ridge and Wilderness Retreat areas this week.
"This is the normal controlled burning for this time of year," Coos Forest Protective Associations district specialist Jeff Chase said. "The landowners were waiting for better weather trying to get all their slash burning completed, and with the forecast calling for rainy weather, that could help mitigate any control issues."
While it is too dry and risky to do the slash burning during the summer, the cool, wet fall and winter allows the burning to rid the forests of the unwanted timber debris.