News Release

Prescribed Burn Planned at North Cascades National Park Service Complex to Improve Habitat and Reduce Wildfire Risk

News Release Date: October 9, 2026
Contact: Public Affairs Office

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — The National Park Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service are preparing for prescribed pile burns in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas throughout October and November, conditions and staffing permitting.

The burn piles consist of brush, logs and branches from fire suppression activities on the Border 2 and Sisi fires. Fire managers will conduct the burns when conditions are favorable and the potential for fire to spread beyond the pile footprint is low.

Smoke may be visible from roads and areas in Stehekin and the Ross Lake area during and after the burns. Smoke can affect visibility and air quality and may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Fire managers will monitor smoke conditions and conduct burns under conditions intended to minimize impacts to local communities. Current air-quality information is available at Fire and Smoke Map.

The prescribed burns are part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex’s ongoing fire management program. The burns will improve habitat for fire-dependent plants and wildlife and promote ecosystem diversity by stimulating new vegetation growth.

Prescribed fire is a carefully planned land management tool that allows fire managers to safely apply low-intensity fire under specific weather and fuel conditions.

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

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