ASHLAND, Ore. (Jan. 16, 2025) — Smoke will become more visible in parts of the Ashland Watershed Friday afternoon as fire crews conduct a burnout operation in an area that reignited following a previous pile burn, officials said.
Crews from the U.S. Forest Service’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Grayback Forestry Inc. are working to line and burn out the area under abnormally warm and dry conditions at higher elevations. The operation is intended to remove hazardous surface fuels and restore beneficial fire to the ecosystem, achieving the same objectives as spring underburning but earlier than usual this year.
Officials said there is no threat to homes or public safety.
Smoke impacts are expected along Forest Road 2060 north of Horn Gap, Forest Road 2060-200, and nearby trails including Horn Gap Trail, Ricketty Trail and No Candies Trail. Residents and visitors who are sensitive to smoke are advised to avoid those areas of the western Ashland Watershed during operations.
Smoke is not expected to significantly affect the Rogue Valley, but people with respiratory sensitivities are encouraged to take precautions outlined at http://www.smokewiseashland.org, officials said.
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