Prescribed burns will begin soon in the Olympic National Forest on both the east and west sides of the North Olympic Peninsula.
The annual controlled burning is intended to get rid of buildups of debris that could be fuel for unintentional blazes.
“Residents and visitors may see or smell smoke as a result of the burning, and glowing embers may be visible at night,” said Donna Nemeth, forest spokeswoman based in Olympia, in a prepared statement.
They will be set in areas that have been logged recently or had administrative activity, Nemeth said.
The prescribed fires may continue as late as November, depending upon the weather.
Burns are planned in these areas:
• On the north end of the Hood Canal Ranger District in the Caraco Creek, Gold Creek, Snow Creek and Rixon Creek areas.
• On the north end of the Hood Canal Ranger District at the Quilcene Ranger Station.
• On the north end of the Pacific Ranger District at the Snider Work Center, Bonidu Pit and near Tom Creek.
• On the south end of the Pacific Ranger District near Lake Quinault, in the Boulder Creek area and the West Fork of the Humptulips River.
“Firefighter and public safety will be a top priority, and these fires will be monitored closely for the duration of the burns,” Nemeth said.
“Local authorities will be notified prior to ignition and kept informed throughout the burn.”