Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Lagoon Prescribed Fire Planned for Thursday near Chadron

The Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands plans to burn approximately 20 acres on Thursday, November 3.  The Lagoon Prescribed Fire unit is located approximately 10 miles south of Chadron, Nebraska, east of Highway 385, behind the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center.

“The primary purpose of the Lagoon Prescribed Fire is to decrease vegetation near the inlet and outlet pipes of the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center’s wastewater lagoon. Reducing the vegetation will also decrease root damage to the underground liner that protects the soil from contamination from this water.” said Michael Mattmiller, Acting District Fire Management Officer.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 385 and 20 and from the communities of Chadron, Hay Springs, and Crawford.  Access may be limited on the Job Corps By-Pass Road (FS 775) for a short amount of time if smoke becomes an issue.

Please see below for a map of the planned fire's location.  Paper maps of the burn area are available at the Pine Ridge Ranger District office at 125 North Main in Chadron.  The public is encouraged to stop by that office or call 308-432-0300 if they have questions.