Smoke Management

The goal of our prescribed fire program is to have fires burn quickly, cleanly and under control and for smoke to be carried up and away from the area. Conditions are monitored closely and many times burns are cancelled at the last minute if conditions are not right for meeting the intended goal. However, wind and weather are unpredictable and there is always a chance that smoke will settle in river corridors and valley bottoms. This happens especially when heavy fuels are burned and at night when cool air flows down and collects in low areas bringing smoke with it.

Smoke is an unavoidable consequence of prescribed burning. Large burns may produce smoke for up to a week due to the burning of heavier fuels and down into the duff layer. However, using prescribed fire is one of the best ways to reduce hazard fuel loading and benefit wildlife habitat on the refuge.

The Refuge Fire Staff will make Public Service Announcements when burning will occur so that your family is aware of burns in your local area.