The Olympic Interagency Fire Management Program and park road crew have planned and prepared for prescribed burns of five woody debris piles beginning Monday, Oct. 31.

The debris piles are located in the Lower Queets, Hoh, Sol Duc and Elwha maintenance areas of Olympic National Park. Road clearing operations in Olympic National Park generate large amounts of debris and pile burning is the most convenient and cost-effective method of disposal.

Smoke will be visible at times from nearby trails and roadways while the burns are in progress. Signage will be used to notify the public. Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal; however, it is impossible to predict weather patterns and smoke behavior.

With cooler weather and rain in the immediate forecast for the locations of the prescribed burns, there are currently no concerns with fires escaping.

The operations will be managed with employee and public safety as the first priority. No area closures are anticipated at this time.