Prescribed fire could come to Fort Spokane

COULEE DAM – Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area may implement a prescribed fire at the Fort Spokane Employee housing area this spring.

The area includes 50 acres of land near the Fort Spokane campground, boat launch and day use areas. This burn is tentatively scheduled sometime between April 18 and May 10. Smoke may settle into the Fort Spokane Campground on the day of ignition and during the nights for up to a week after ignition. The exact date of ignition is currently not known and depends on weather, unit preparation and personnel availability.

The goals of prescribed burns include promoting forest health and decreasing forest fuel loads adjacent to campgrounds, residences and structures, Lake Roosevelt officials said in a press release. 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 in April through the beginning of June. Ignition should be completed in one day.

The project area will be carefully monitored until the unit is fully extinguished. Residual smoke may be observed for up to two weeks post ignition.