Prescribed Fire at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Residents of Sherwood, Beaverton, and surrounding area may notice smoke from a prescribed fire at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge this September or October, on a unit of the refuge that is closed to the public. During the prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.

Learn more about prescribed burn , the fire activity may be visible from SW Scholls Ferry Road and SW Pleasant Valley Road. People who have questions about the prescribed fire are encouraged to call the refuge at (503) 625-5944.

Prescribed fire is an important conservation tool at the refuge, and part of the long-term strategy to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. Refuge managers work with fire management specialists to plan each prescribed fire to ensure safety and maximize its effectiveness for both habitat and wildlife. 

Safety is the refuge’s priority during any prescribed fire; before the fire takes place, fire management specialists, firefighters and refuge managers work together to create a prescribed fire plan, which is comprised of a detailed prescription for where, when, and how a fire will be used to restore habitat. This includes strict safety measures, such as pre- and post- burn monitoring plans and identifying the ideal weather and wind conditions for the prescribed fire to take place. Because of the important role weather plays, managers identify a burn window – a specific length of time during which a prescribed fire might take place. The burn window for this fire is anticipated for the end of September through October. The official day of the fire is not set until a day or few days prior to ensure optimum conditions for the prescribed fire. Other than smoke visibility, there are no other expected impacts on the local community; additionally, since the prescribed fire will take place on a closed unit of the refuge, it will not impact visitation.

The prescribed fire is expected to increase the diversity of native plant species, improving habitat for native wildlife. Over 200 species of birds rely on the refuge, as well as deer, river otters, newts, and other animals that call the refuge home. While this prescribed fire is taking place on a unit closed to visitation, visitors can still explore the main unit to enjoy viewing wildlife from a year-round trail that meanders through wetlands and oak woodland. In addition, there are year-round educational programs and opportunities at the refuge.