Washington DNR set to conduct prescribed burn near Kendall, Maple Falls
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is planning a 16-acre prescribed burn in Whatcom County to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
The burn may begin as early as Thursday, Oct. 30, depending on the weather, and will take place about a mile northeast of Kendall and 1.5 miles west of Maple Falls, according to a DNR news release.
The burn will target “slash and surface-level fuels” in an effort to address threats to forest health, such as laminated root rot. The burn should also speed up natural regeneration of the area and lower the threat of insect and disease outbreaks, according to the release.
Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal. However, DNR advises those who live in the area and are sensitive to wildfire smoke to be cautious about exposure.
Local air-quality data can be viewed at fire.airnow.gov. People who are sensitive to smoke should close windows and remain indoors and should wear an N95 mask if they must go outside.
Smoke may be visible on nearby roadways, including Red Mountain Road and State Route 542, according to the release.
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