COEUR d'ALENE - Idaho Panhandle National Forest's annual prescribed fire program is now underway. It will continue throughout the region for several weeks.

Prescribed burning is used to reduce dead and down fuels, selectively thin trees in dense forested stands, stimulate fire resistant plant species, enhance forage and browse, reduce the risk of large stand-replacement fires and restore fire under controlled conditions as a disturbance factor in these landscapes.

Prescribed fire managers are planning hazardous fuel reduction burns throughout the spring season, weather and conditions permitting, at the following project sites within the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District:

* Deerfoot Project Area (800 acres): East and northeast of Hayden Lake within the Nilson, Two Forks, Three Forks, Jim Creek and Yellowbanks Creek drainages.

* Blue Alder Project Area (700 acres): In the Blue Alder project area near Fourth of July Pass and within the Blue Creek and Alder Creek drainages.

* Prichard-Murray Project Area (1,000 acres): In the vicinity of Prichard in the Clee Creek, Avery Creek, Hopkins Creek and main Coeur d'Alene River drainages.

Actual acres within each project area may vary dependent upon fuel conditions, smoke dispersion, wind patterns, and other variables.

The exact timing for each planned burn is unknown as prescribed burning is dependent on weather conditions, fuel moisture and smoke dispersion criteria. As many as 12,000 acres of national forest system lands in North Idaho could be burned this spring and fall depending on conditions.

"Prescribed fire plays an important ecological role in providing great benefits to forest health," said Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth. "Prescribed burning will reduce wildfire risks for local communities, while improving wildlife habitat and restoring the forest's resiliency to threats such as uncharacteristic fires, insects and disease."

Active burning will occur for a period of two to three days, with smoldering fire afterward until rains extinguish the fires. Burn areas can pose very hazardous conditions such as rapid and unpredictable spreading of flames, falling trees, heavy smoke, limited visibility and rolling rocks and logs.

Prescribed fire areas can be dangerous and members of the public are urged to stay away from these areas during burning operations and for a few days afterward.

If you plan on recreating or hunting in these project areas make sure you understand your location relative to the burn units. If you find yourself in an active burn area, you should travel downslope or away from the predominant path of flames, because fire typically burns fastest upslope.

When burn dates or date ranges are forecasted, signs will be posted along access roads and near affected trailheads and trail junctions. Temporary access restrictions or closures may be utilized if deemed necessary for public safety.

A complete list of planned prescribed fires including contact information and planned fire locations is available online at www.northidahorxfire.com/ipnf.

Prescribed fire information will also be maintained on a prescribed fire hotline at 1-800-232-FIRE.