IPNF begins burning

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest plans to initiate their annual prescribed fire program starting today and continue into the following weeks. Prescribed burning is used to reduce dead and down fuels, selectively thin understory trees in dense forested stands, stimulate fire resistant plant species, enhance forage and browse, reduce the risk of large stand-replacement fires, and restore fire under controlled conditions as a disturbance factor in these landscapes. Prescribed fire managers are planning to implement hazardous fuel reduction burns, weather and conditions permitting, at the following project sites:

Bonners Ferry Ranger District

Stampede Sale Area (200 acres): Near Stampede Lake and the community of Naples

Borderline Stew Sale Area (30 acres): Approximately 20 miles North of Bonners Ferry on Hwy 95

Ruby Copper Sale Area (20 acres): Approximately 31 miles North of Bonners Ferry on Hwy 95

Actual acres within each project area may vary dependent upon fuel conditions, smoke dispersion, wind patterns, and other variables. The exact timing of these planned burns is unknown as prescribed burning is dependent on weather conditions, fuel moisture and smoke dispersion criteria. Up to 12,000 acres of national forest system lands in north Idaho could be burned this spring and fall depending on conditions. “Prescribed fire plays an important ecological role in providing great benefits to forest health,” said Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth. “Prescribed burning will reduce wildfire risks for local communities, while improving wildlife habitat and restoring the forest’s resiliency to threats such as uncharacteristic fires, insects and disease.”

Active burning will occur for a period of 2-3 days, with smoldering fire afterward until rains extinguish the fires. Burn areas can pose very hazardous conditions such as rapid and unpredictable spreading of flames, falling trees, heavy smoke and limited visibility, and rolling rocks and logs. Prescribed fire areas can be dangerous and members of the public are urged to stay away from these areas during burning operations and for a few days afterward. If you plan on recreating or hunting in these project areas make sure you understand your location relative to the burn units. If you find yourself in an active burn area, you should travel downslope or away from the predominant path of flames, because fire typically burns fastest upslope. When burn dates or date ranges are forecasted, signs will be posted along access roads and near affected trailheads and trail junctions. Temporary access restrictions or closures may be utilized if deemed necessary for public safety.

Prescribed burns, especially those within areas that contain a high volume of vegetation, often produce large amounts of smoke. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is a member of the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group, which monitors and limits the accumulation of smoke from controlled burns through scientific monitoring of weather conditions and formal coordination of burns. People with respiratory problems and those sensitive to smoke may want to avoid these areas during burning operations.

A complete list of planned prescribed fires including contact information and planned fire locations is available online at http://www.northidahorxfire.com/ipnf/ or on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website. Prescribed fire information will also be maintained on a prescribed fire hotline at 1-800-232-FIRE.