JOHN DAY – The Prairie City Ranger District fire officials are starting a prescribed burn operation this Friday, Oct. 17, in the Olmstead Area, located southeast of Austin Junction off of Hwy 26.

The burn area is about 500 acres.

Officials cautioned that smoke could impact visibility and air quality in the immediate area.

All roads leading into the project will be posted.

Prescribed burns are used to achieve several goals, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by reducing dead fuel accumulation, stimulate plant growth for wildlife winter forage, rangeland, and plant vigor to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

For more information contact the Malheur National Forest at 541-575-3000.