CHENEY – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct controlled burns at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge during the fall and winter months. These burns started Friday, Oct. 13.
Turnbull officials said burning will start this month and continue through February, weather permitting.
The purpose of the fires is to reduce “fuel,” such as downed timber and dry grass and sagebrush, to help alleviate the potential for future wildfires.
This will reduce the risk of wildfires on the refuge, and will also contribute to habitat restoration.
During burns, officials said smoke will likely be visible from Cheney, Tyler, Four Lakes, Malden and other communities in the region.
“Safety is the No. 1 priority during a prescribed burn,” Project Leader Kelly Moroney said. “We will work with federal, state, and county agencies and departments to complete these prescribed fire projects throughout the next several months.”
Burning will only occur when weather conditions and smoke dispersion are favorable, officials said.
Turnbull workers have yet to set specific dates for other upcoming burns; dates won’t be announced until weather conditions are optimal for safety.
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