Prescribed Burn Scheduled Near Butte Falls as 2025 Wildfire Season Approaches

Butte Falls, Oregon- A 70-acre prescribed burn is scheduled this week near Butte Falls as part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health in southern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry said Monday.

The burn is planned for Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1, and will take place off West Hukill Creek, west of town. Crews from the ODF’s Southwest Oregon District, working in coordination with Grayback Forestry, Inc., will begin ignition each morning and continue into the afternoon, weather and smoke conditions permitting.

The project is part of the Butte Falls Community Forest initiative, which began after the 2020 wildfires devastated the region. In the aftermath, the town purchased 430 acres of forestland with the goal of reducing wildfire risk and creating long-term forest resilience. Since then, ODF has supported the effort through various treatments, including pile burning and manual fuel reduction.

“This project is a direct example of what community-led forest management can look like,” said Natalie Weber, public information officer for ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. “By working alongside local partners, we’re creating healthier forests that are better prepared for wildfire, while also protecting nearby communities.”

Favorable weather conditions—recent rainfall paired with warming temperatures—have created suitable ground conditions for the operation. However, officials emphasized that smoke impacts will be closely monitored, and daily ignition will only proceed with final approval. Light smoke may be visible in the Rogue Valley during the operation, but additional rainfall expected Friday is likely to help clear the air.

Prescribed fire is a tool increasingly used in fire-prone landscapes to safely reduce hazardous fuels and restore ecological balance.

More information about the Butte Falls Community Forest Project is available at townofbuttefalls.com/communityforest. Fire prevention updates and resources from ODF can be found at swofire.com.