The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest announced Tuesday that this fall, firefighters across Central Washington will once again be using fire to help restore watersheds and better protect nearby communities.

Just over 3,500 acres of prescribed burning is planned when favorable weather conditions set in. Fewer acres may actually be completed if conditions are not favorable. Conditions include temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and ventilation for smoke.

Public Information Officer Robin DeMario said it's important for them to be proactive when they have these kinds of opportunities, as prescribed burns reduce the amount of burnable fuels in the forest and help to reduce the risk of future high intensity wildfires.

"Folks made see some smoke in the air associated with some of these burns, but that shouldn't last very long," explained DeMario.

The prescribed burns, or 'good fire', will be in Okanogan and Yakima counties near the communities of Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama, and Naches.

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