Port Angeles – Olympic National Park officials announced Wednesday that starting on Thursday, October 31, the Olympic Interagency Fire Management Team will begin burning isolated debris piles in the Sol Duc, Mora, Hoh, Elwha, and Quinault maintenance areas of Olympic National Park.

Operations will only occur during safe weather windows and will conclude by January.

Smoke will be visible at times from nearby trails and roadways while the burns are in progress. Fire crews will remain on scene and manage the burns until the fires are out.

The debris was generated when crews reduced hazardous fuels around the Eagle Ranger Station and conducted road clearing and facilities maintenance operations throughout the year. Clearing and removing debris around the Eagle Ranger Station will create defensible space and help protect it from future wildland fires.

The park says burning woody debris generated by maintenance operations is the most convenient and cost-effective method of disposal.