Controlled burns near Wallace scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday

WALLACE – Things may get a little smoky in the Wallace area for the next few days, but residents have no reason to worry. United States Forest Service personnel will be conducting controlled burn operations in the Placer Creek drainages, roughly 1-4 miles south and east of Wallace (see map) over Wednesday and Thursday.

Beginning Wednesday afternoon, ground crews will be lighting up specific parts of wilderness to test the effectiveness of the fire. If all goes according to plan, ground crews will then work in conjunction with a helicopter to conduct a full burn operation sometime Thursday afternoon.

Unlike the previous prescribed burn up Two Mile in May, the helicopter will use a helitorch to ignite targeted areas instead of the dispenser that releases hundreds of small fuel-filled ping pong like balls.

Although the torch doesn’t cover as much ground as the dispenser, it does generate more heat and works better in certain conditions.

USFS explains that the primary objectives of this burn project are:

- Reduce dense fuels so that there is less risk to life property and natural resources.

- Increase the proportion of fire-resilient species so stands are healthier with less fire risk.

- Create a mosaic of healthy stands that vary in age, height and patch size to help disrupt the spread of a wildfire.

Individuals who live, recreate, or hunt near the burn area are responsible for understanding your location relative to the project areas. Trails and burn areas may be temporarily closed to the public to ensure safety. Areas will be surveyed prior to ignition as an attempt to ensure that no people are present.

USFS asks that individuals avoid burn areas due to hazardous conditions such rapid and unpredictable flame spread, falling snags and trees, heavy smoke and limited visibility, and rolling rocks and logs.

The Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests plans to burn up to 500 acres through Spring 2018 (April-June) and to Fall 2018 (September-October) if the desired weather, soil moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions are met.

Smoke may be visible in the area for several days after the burning phase of the prescribed fire is completed. The Forest Service will monitor the fires until they are completely out.

Ignition of the prescribed fires will cease if there is a change in burning conditions and management objectives are not being met.

For more information on the project, visit www.northidahorxfire.com for schedule and specific locations.

If you are particularly sensitive to smoke, or would like to be notified each day of the burn, please contact Sarah Jerome at 208-783-2363 or visit the USFS office at 173 Commerce Drive, Smelterville, ID 83868.

The office phone number is 208-783-2363 and office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.