Wednesday, September 16, 2026 / Howard Buford Recreation Area / Mt. Pisgah
Twenty-five acres at Mt. Pisgah are set to burn today—on purpose
The weather-dependent ecological burn will close small parts of the North Bottomlands trails and create localized smoke.
Fire crews plan to burn 25 acres in Mt. Pisgah's North Bottomlands today, Sept. 16, if weather, humidity, wind and smoke-dispersion conditions cooperate. The old hay field is now dominated by non-native plants; the burn is meant to help native grasses and wildflowers return while reducing available wildfire fuel.
Small portions of the west-side North Bottomlands trails will close during the work. Lane County says trail sentinels and posted signs will direct visitors, who should expect localized smoke and visible crews.
This is not an emergency fire. Lane County Parks and its partners have conducted more than a dozen ecological burns at Howard Buford Recreation Area since 1999, and they can cancel today's operation if conditions do not line up safely.
Field notes
What changed: Lane County scheduled a 25-acre prescribed burn for Sept. 16 in Mt. Pisgah's North Bottomlands.
Why it matters: Visitors may encounter trail closures and smoke, while the work targets invasive vegetation and wildfire fuel.
Who may be affected: Mt. Pisgah trail users, nearby residents and people sensitive to smoke.