Prescribed burn now a wildfire

Firefighters quickly engaged this afternoon when a prescribed burn being conducted on the McKenzie River Ranger District to reduce fuels in a thinned stand moved onto National Forest land outside of the burn unit’s perimeter. Weather was within prescription when gusty winds led to two spot fires adjacent to the 65-acre burn unit. The fire is being declared a wildfire, enabling the deployment of additional personnel and resources to contain the spread as soon as possible – which is our highest priority. Additional resources are expected to arrive tomorrow to provide assistance as needed.

The burn area is located approximately two miles northeast of the McKenzie River Ranger Station and north of Highway 126 where FS Roads 26-204 and 26-206 split near Frissell Trail. Residents and visitors in the McKenzie River Corridor may see or smell smoke, especially as cooler temperatures settle in through the night. The cooler temperatures are also moderating fire activity for the 34 firefighters that continue to suppress the fire.