Prescribed burning smoke will be visible in April

WENATCHEE—The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service crews will conduct prescribed burning operations on approximately 800 acres in central Washington during April. The burning will occur in two separate areas: near the Martin Ranch area in Number 2 Canyon, located 4 miles west of Wenatchee, and in the Beehive area, situated 6 miles southwest of Wenatchee.

Prescribed burning is scheduled to occur from April 1-12 in Number 2 Canyon and April 8-19 in the Beehive area. Residents of Wenatchee, Cashmere, Dryden, and possibly Peshastin may notice smoke from the underburning operations.

The primary objectives of these prescribed burns are to better protect nearby communities, restore healthy and resilient forests by reducing the number of burnable fuels that could potentially feed wildfires, help recycle nutrients back into the soil, promote the growth of fire-adapted and native vegetation, and reduce the risk and intensity of future wildfires.

No road closures are expected, but forest users are advised to drive slowly in areas where fire personnel and equipment are working. Information signs will be placed along Number 2 Canyon Road to alert people when burning is taking place. Beehive Road will remain closed, as it normally does not open until late spring.

Prescribed burns are conducted under specific weather conditions, including correct temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and smoke ventilation. Firefighters implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure forest health and public safety objectives are met while adhering to air quality standards. If the necessary criteria are not met, prescribed burns will not be carried out.

Prescribed burns do not occur when burn bans are in effect. If a prescribed burn has begun and a burn ban is subsequently determined, burning operations will cease as soon as possible.