East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

SPOKANE–Annual prescribed fires on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed lands in eastern Washington are scheduled to start in March, as conditions allow. Prescribed fires on WDFW wildlife areas reduce the risk of future wildfires, reduce the severity of wildfires when they do happen, restore forest health, and improve wildlife habitat.

WDFW conducts prescribed fires every spring and fall, as appropriate, on public lands the Department manages statewide. With WDFW-managed lands often located close to communities, prescribed fire is particularly important to protect both wildlife habitat and public safety. While the results of prescribed burning include increased public safety, a more fire-resilient landscape, and an improved experience for those who use public lands, these fires can be an inconvenience to the public while they are underway, particularly during hunting seasons. Unfortunately, there is a small window of time when prescribed burns can be conducted when the weather is cool but not too wet.

WDFW is planning to treat approximately 660 acres of eastern Washington wildlife areas with prescribed fire by the end of the 2024 spring season.

Please watch for fire personnel or equipment and slow down if you experience reduced visibility while driving. WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for wildlife and people.