News Release

Fall 2024 Prescribed Fire Burning Notice

Date: October 22, 2024
Contact: Tonya Neider, 360-485-5066

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area may implement the following prescribed fire pile burns during the fall of 2024. 
Stevens County:

• Evans, 1 large pile north of the Evans Boat Launch.
• Log Yard B handpiles, 17 acres west of the Boise Cascade Timber and Wood facility on S Boise Road, Kettle Falls.
• Kettle Falls, 1 large pile south of the Boise Cascade Timber and Wood facility on S Boise Road, Kettle Falls.
• Gifford, 1 large pile east of the Gifford Boat Launch.
• Hunters handpiles, 46 acres on NPS land north and east of the Hunters Campground Road.

Lincoln County:

• Fort Spokane, 1 large pile northeast of Fort Spokane near the intersection of Miles Road and Cougi Lane.
• Keller Ferry, 1 large pile southwest of the Keller Ferry Marina.
• Spring Canyon, 1 large pile off of the Spring Canyon Campground Road.

The goals of prescribed burns include promoting forest health and decreasing forest fuel loads adjacent to campgrounds, residences, and structures. Benefits will include:

• Increased understory plant diversity and natural reseeding of trees,
• Retaining a healthy mosaic of plants and trees that are more resistant and resilient to fire, insects and disease.
• Reduced small fuels, which are primary fire carriers,
• Decreased risk and intensity of uncontrolled wildfires,
• Increased nutrients for trees and understory.

Safe and favorable weather conditions may occur late October through December. Ignitions should be completed in one day per pile location except the Log Yard handpiles and Hunters handpiles. Each of these units could take up to two weeks depending on personnel availability. Public and firefighter safety are always the highest priority in all fire management activities. The project areas will be carefully monitored until the piles are fully extinguished. Residual smoke may be observed for up to two weeks post ignition.