Oregon plans meetings on proposed controlled burn rules

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Oregon agencies are holding a series of public meetings on measures aimed at reducing wildfire smoke by increasing controlled burns during non-fire seasons.

The Mail Tribune reports the state forestry and environmental quality departments will hold a meeting next week in Medford, which has recorded 23 unhealthy air quality days because of smoke this summer.

The state is seeking feedback on rules that would make it easier to conduct controlled burns as a way of reducing the threat of major wildfires. The burns would still be required to follow certain state and federal air quality standards.

Meetings are also planned for Bend, Klamath Falls, LaGrande and Eugene — cities often affected by wildfire smoke.

State officials hope to have the proposed rules in place by spring 2019.

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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/