Prescribed Burn Successfully Conducted on Dead Mountain

Dead Mountain underburn from the OIP

Favorable weather conditions provided a rare opportunity for a spring prescribed burn. High 8, a 57-acre unit on Dead Mountain, was successfully burned on Wednesday April 23, 2025. Fire management teams ensured all safety measures were in place by laying hose, reducing hazards, and notifying the public.

Collaboration with state weather forecasters helped identify the optimal burn day. Winds from the North/Northwest at 0-5 mph allowed winds to carry smoke to 6500 feet. This minimized the smoke impacts on the nearby communities of Oakridge and Westfir.

Approximately 30 personnel were on site from Santiam, McKenzie, Middle Fork militia, hand crews, and engine crews. Ignition started at 11:00 AM, with burn groups working both the north and south sides of the unit simultaneously. The unit was completed by 5:30 PM.

Dead Mountain underburn from an airplane

A layer of duff, and material with high moisture content lead to smokey conditions at the start. However, the smoke production rapidly decreased as ignitions completed.

Fire management teams are wrapping up the burn operation in the following days. Patrols will continue within the unit until no visible smoke remains.