Prescribed Fire planned along U.S. Highway 12

The Powell Ranger Station of the Clearwater National Forest will light prescribed fires on approximately 800 acres tomorrow using hand ignition and a helicopter with a Sphere Dispenser.

For public safety, officials have decided to close forest lands north of U.S. Highway 12 from Jerry Johnson Campground to Post Office Creek; the area west of and including FS Trail #38 that takes off to the north from Jerry Johnson Campground; the area east of Post Office Creek and south of the 46 30' Parallel located to the north of Highway 12 approximately two miles away.

Road 565 that leads into this area will continue to be closed for all travel while burning takes place. The prescribed fires may cause smoke along Highway 12, so those traveling the highway during this time are asked to take extra precaution.

Prescribed fire is a vegetative management tool used to maintain fire dependent ecosystems and restore those outside their natural balance. These plans are designed to accomplish hazardous fuels treatment, improve wildlife habitat, provide for positive long-term watershed conditions and promote forest health. All of the projects are part of comprehensive fire planning efforts and each burn has specific burn objectives and prescription.

A map showing suppression fires, wildland fire use fires and prescribed burn project areas is available at Forest Supervisor's Office in Orofino or at the Powell Ranger Station.