Editor’s note: The map at this link shows planned, in progress and completed prescribed fires. It is regularly updated. https://tinyurl.com/33r4347f
The Payette National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through July as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation and to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
The New Meadows Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Goose project area (3 miles east of New Meadows), in the Cold project area (northeast and west of Lost Valley reservoir), Railroad project area (8 miles northwest of New Meadows), Rapid River project area (10 miles northwest of New Meadows), and the Brush project area (6 miles northwest of New Meadows).
The Council Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Mill Creek-Council Mountain project area (5 miles northeast of Council), Huckleberry project area (20 miles northwest of Council), and the Middle Fork project area (7 miles southeast of Council).
The Weiser Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Robinson project area (22 miles north of Weiser).
The Krassel Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Bald Hill and Fitsum project areas (24 miles east of McCall).
Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. Trailheads and roads that lead into these areas will be posted with caution signs and a map of the prescribed fire locations.
Fire personnel will work closely with the Idaho/Montana Airshed Group, the National Weather Service, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that smoke impacts are minimized.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to https://fire.airnow.gov online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and social media channels. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
The public may also call the Payette Supervisors Office at (208) 634-0700, Wednesday-Friday.
For the most current information about prescribed fire projects please visit the Payette Facebook page or visit the Payette National Forest planned fuels treatments map at https://tinyurl.com/33r4347f.
