Prescribed Burns Continue Across Pacific Northwest as Agencies Race to Reduce Fuel Loads

With the 2026 fire season shaping up to be one of the most dangerous in recent Pacific Northwest history, federal and state land managers are racing to complete spring prescribed burn programs before escalating conditions close the window entirely. From Southern Oregon's Applegate Valley to the forests surrounding Bend, crews are lighting controlled fires now with the goal of reducing the fuel loads that feed catastrophic summer wildfires.

Applegate Valley Prescribed Burns

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducted prescribed fire operations on BLM-administered lands near Jacksonville in Southern Oregon on May 14 — the same day new fire restrictions took effect across the broader region. Burn operations began around 11:00 AM and were completed by approximately 3:00 PM, with visible smoke reported across the Applegate and Rogue Valleys throughout the afternoon.

The Applegate Valley underburn is part of a broader BLM program to reduce potential fuel loads for wildfires while improving forest floor access and overall ecosystem health. "Burns like this are a powerful tool for reducing fire danger," BLM officials said in a press statement, noting that the controlled nature of the burn allowed crews to work safely and achieve restoration objectives.

Pine Mountain Prescribed Burn Operations

Fire crews are also planning a multi-day prescribed burn on Pine Mountain southeast of Bend — a roughly 2,000-acre operation aimed at treating dense fuel accumulations in the Deschutes National Forest. The operation is expected to produce visible smoke across Central Oregon and will include temporary road closures and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the burn area while operations are active. Residents across the Bend area are advised to watch for smoke advisories and check AirNow.gov for real-time air quality information during burn operations.

The planned Pine Mountain burn is separate from the earlier Pine Mountain Fire — the prescribed burn that escaped its boundaries and burned 2,589 acres before being fully contained on May 12.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Plans Ahead

In Washington, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has committed to continued prescribed fire operations as a key pillar of its wildfire prevention strategy. Amanda Kill, Public Affairs Specialist for the forest, said the Gifford Pinchot will continue these tactics even as fire conditions intensify. "Prescribed burns are planned, small, and conducted under controlled conditions usually during the cooler seasons like fall and spring," Kill said. "Prescribed burns will always include advanced public notification and preparation."

Information about upcoming prescribed burns on Gifford Pinchot lands is available through local USFS contacts and InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov.

Why Prescribed Fire Matters This Year

The science behind prescribed burning is straightforward: by removing accumulated dead vegetation and thinning dense forest understories under controlled conditions, land managers reduce the intensity and spread rate of wildfires when they do occur. In a year when Washington's snowpack melted out a month early and drought has parched fuel beds across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, that fuel reduction work is more important than ever.

The U.S. Forest Service has emphasized that prescribed fire is one of the most cost-effective tools available for protecting communities and ecosystems. With climate-driven fire seasons now effectively year-round across much of the West, agencies say the spring prescribed burn window — before restrictions tighten and summer heat arrives — is precious time that cannot be wasted.

Staying Informed During Burn Operations