BEND, Ore. — The Deschutes National Forest is scheduled to conduct prescribed burns near Bend and Sisters on Monday, June 2, weather permitting. The controlled burns are part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health in the region.

On the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, firefighters plan to burn up to 215 acres near Forest Service Road 41 and the Cascade Lakes Highway. Ignitions are set to begin at 10 a.m. Temporary closures will be in effect for Lava Island Day Use, nearby trails, and portions of the Storm King area. Despite these closures, roads will remain open, with pilot cars deployed to assist drivers if smoke reduces visibility.

Meanwhile, on the Sisters Ranger District, crews will ignite approximately 158 acres north of Sisters along Cold Springs Road starting around 9 a.m. No closures are anticipated in this area, although smoke may impact visibility along Highway 20.

Residents of surrounding communities—including Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters—may notice smoke, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Officials advise keeping windows closed and using air purifiers if available to reduce indoor smoke exposure.

The prescribed burns are designed to reduce the buildup of hazardous fuels, thereby lowering the risk of severe wildfires. Additionally, these efforts contribute to the overall health and resilience of the forest ecosystem while protecting nearby communities.

Forest Service officials emphasize that the burns will be closely monitored and adjusted based on weather and safety conditions to ensure they are conducted responsibly.