WDFW plans prescribed fires on WDFW-managed lands in Pend Oreille and Ferry counties

SPOKANE- Annual prescribed fires on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed lands in Pend Oreille and Ferry counties are scheduled to start in March, as conditions become favorable.

WDFW is planning to treat nearly 500 acres with prescribed fire in the following areas by the end of the 2025 spring season: 

• Rustlers Gulch Unit, Sherman Creek Wildlife Area – Approximately 150 acres in Pend Oreille County, 20 miles north of Spokane.
• Sherman Creek Unit, Sherman Creek Wildlife Area - Approximately 350 acres in Ferry County, 10 miles west of Colville.

Land managers use prescribed fires as a forest management practice to reduce the risk of future wildfires, reduce the severity of wildfires when they do happen, and improve habitat for wildlife. 

The Department conducts prescribed fires during conditions that favor low intensity burning, such as in the spring when temperatures are cooler and there is increased precipitation. 
“We can create and maintain wildlife habitat on these valuable ecosystems through low-to-moderate intensity fires, often after other
Prescribed fire can rejuvenate important plant species, including native grass and brush species favored by deer, elk, and moose. It also provides the added benefits of improved ecosystem health and resiliency and improved access for recreationists and hunters.” 

monitor prescribed fires continuously and work to minimize smoke impacts. Even so, WDFW understands that these fires can be inconvenient for those who live near and recreate on public lands, particularly during hunting seasons.

The smoke from a prescribed fire is usually lower in volume and much shorter in duration than a wildfire on the same piece of ground. 

“The temporary inconveniences of spring and fall prescribed burns can prevent months of dense wildfire smoke and have the benefit of being a planned and controlled event,” said Lionberger.

All burns are weather dependent. If conditions are not optimal for safe and effective prescribed fires, they may not occur. Additional burns on WDFW-managed Eastern Washington lands could be announced if conditions are favorable. Signs are posted in advance of all prescribed fires to inform area visitors.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people. 

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.