Prescribed Burn Slated For Central Washington

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said it will conduct prescribed burns on several WDFW-managed lands this month.  WDFW is planning to treat up to 250 acres with prescribed fire on the Sagebrush Flat Unit of the Sagebrush Flat Wildlife Area – about 10 miles northwest of Ephrata in Douglas County.  The Sagebrush Flat Unit is dominated by mature sagebrush and helps manage and promote the recovery of numerous shrubsteppe species, including pygmy rabbit and sage grouse.

WDFW conducts prescribed fires during conditions that favor low-intensity burning, such as in the spring and fall, and are carefully planned and conducted under specific conditions of temperature, wind, and humidity. The Department said this makes burning safer while improving wildlife habitat and improving ecosystem health while reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

“Fire rejuvenates important native grass and brush favored by deer and elk, as well as small mammals and bird species, while providing improved ecosystem health and resiliency, reduced wildfire intensity, and improved access for recreational users,” said Matt Eberlein, prescribed fire program manager with WDFW.

Prescribed fires are monitored continuously until out, and crews work to minimize smoke impacts. Eberlein noted that the smoke from prescribed fire is usually lower in volume and shorter in duration than smoke from a wildfire, but land managers understand that these fires can be inconvenient for those who live near and recreate on public lands, particularly during hunting seasons.  Signs are posted in advance of all prescribed fires to inform local users of planned burns.

Prescribed fires reduce the risk and severity of future wildfires and improve habitat for wildlife.  On WDFW-managed wildlife areas, there is special emphasis on improving ecosystems that support fish and wildlife while improving recreational opportunities.

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