White City, Ore — It’s shaping up to be a historically dry winter and conservation crews are bracing for what they say could be a very busy fire season.
Crews have been working throughout the day at Upper Table Rock, lighting controlled burns in an effort to clear a centuries worth of snags and underbrush and conserve one of Southern Oregon’s most unique habitats in the process.
The flames started quickly but were out within minutes. Perfect conditions for a prescribed burn on Upper Table Rock.
“We just want to get rid of the material now and get this cleaned up and looking good,” said Project Sueprvisor Joshua Budzniak.
With favorable winds and moisture in the forecast, conservation crews took to the ground, preparing for what could be a devastating fire season.
“It’s an important locations for not only the community but for wildlife habitat but also to prevent severe wildfire,” said Alicia Fitzgerald with the Lomakatski Restoration Project.
With the hopes that a little prevention would go a long way in maintaining one of Southern Oregon’s most unique landscapes.
Crews say they expect to continue the burn Friday morning if weather permits and say hiking trails will be open for the public if safe.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.