09/30/11 Prescribed Burns Kick up Smoke (more)

Wenatchee Valley residents woke up to a smoky sky Friday. Officials with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest say in addition to wildland fires to the south, there were a number of small prescribed burns that were set Thursday. They include 40 acres on the Tonasket Ranger District, 10 acres on the Methow Valley Ranger District, 40 acres on the Chelan Ranger District, 60 acres on the Wenatchee River Ranger District and ten acres on the Cle Elum Ranger District. A strong inversion Friday morning held smoke in place, especially in valley areas. Forest Service smoke specialists note that smoke lifted during the day as temperatures increased. Before more burning takes place this weekend, fuel specialists will again analyse weather forecasts to look at wind patterns. If the weather is favorable, firefighters may treat areas on the Tonasket, Methow Valley and possibly the Entiat Ranger Districts.