ODF Smoke Management Burn-Boss Primer

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) provides written prescribed-burning smoke management forecasts/instructions during the October-June period. Three regional weather/smoke forecasts are issued between 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. (typically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and include written instructions for multiple days). These are available on the Web and may be emailed directly to you (sign-up instructions below).

The forecasts include a general weather discussion, a dispersion forecast (mixing heights & winds), and burning instructions through the next forecast issuance day. Special instructions, including how to use/interpret the “Standard Guidance Matrix,” follows the dispersion forecast.

Always check your email and/or the forecast website for an updated forecast.

You are encouraged to call your local ODF district office, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your planned burn or wish to obtain verbal smoke clearance for a burn that is not specifically cleared via the written instructions. The direct smoke management meteorologist phone (503-945-7401) is now typically used by ODF district offices for burn coordination.

Web addresses for the forecasts (3):

“SMI_West” (Western & North-Central Oregon):

http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/DAILY/smi.htm

“SMI_South_Central” (South-Central Oregon):

http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/daily/lmt.htm

“SMI_Northeast” (NE Oregon):

http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/daily/neo.htm

Sign up here for the various smoke forecast email lists:  http://weather.smkmgt.com/mailman/listinfo/

When you sign up, you should receive a “confirmation email” to which you must reply to get on the list.  That’s it!  Then you should receive a direct email with the forecast whenever it is issued.  If you do not get the forecast via email, please check the website, which is always updated before emails are sent.

Note: The ODF smoke management forecast does not replace the spot forecast from the NWS that you may be required to obtain (different purpose).