Public may see hand piles burning over next 2 weeks near Plain, Lake Wenatchee

Hand pile burning begins today on 640 acres in the Plain and Lake Wenatchee area, part of an extensive initiative to reduce wildfire risks across 5,000 acres. The controlled burns, overseen by the U. S. Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources, are expected to produce less smoke than large wildfires. Erin McKay, Chelan County Natural Resources' Forest Health program manager, stated that the project is currently 20 percent complete and that this burning marks the conclusion of this year's mitigation efforts.

Restoration treatments commenced in spring 2024 and aim to improve forest health while restoring fire to the landscape. These efforts include commercial and non-commercial tree thinning, prescribed fire, and road management, implemented in phases through 2030. The burning of hand piles is crucial for reducing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires in the region. Local residents may observe smoke from the burning activities as part of these necessary forest health measures. The project reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing forest resilience in the area.