Several Prescribed Pasture Burns Scheduled Near Roseburg This Week

Several permitted prescribed pasture burns are tentatively scheduled near Roseburg this week, and residents may see smoke from Interstate 5 and communities across the surrounding area.

The first burn is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the 2800 block of Melqua Road. Smoke may remain visible until approximately 7 p.m. from Roseburg, Melrose and Interstate 5. (Watch Duty Link)

Three additional burns are planned for Thursday, Sept. 10:

• Buckhorn and Dixonville roads: The burn is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., with smoke potentially visible until 5 p.m.
  • Watch Duty Link
• 5000 block of Sunshine Road: The burn is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., with smoke potentially visible until 5 p.m.
  • Watch Duty Link
• 1800 block of Tyee Road: The burn is scheduled to begin at noon, with smoke potentially visible until 2 p.m.
  • Watch Duty Link

Smoke from Thursday’s burns may be highly visible from Roseburg, Interstate 5, Highway 138, Diamond Lake Boulevard and North Bank Road. Smoke from the Tyee Road burn may also be seen from Umpqua, Melrose and Hubbard Creek.

Prescribed pasture burning is used to improve grazing land, enhance wildlife habitat, control weeds and brush, and reduce vegetation that could fuel a wildfire. Douglas County landowners have historically conducted about 10,000 acres of prescribed burning annually to maintain pastureland and healthy landscapes.

Fire officials say prescribed burning can also help slow wildfires by reducing accumulated grasses, brush and other combustible vegetation.

Before a burn begins, fire trails must be established and adequate personnel and suppression equipment must be available. Burns are conducted only when weather and atmospheric conditions are favorable. Officials also consider where smoke is expected to travel in an effort to reduce impacts on populated areas.

All scheduled times are tentative and may change if weather or burn conditions are not suitable.