MEDFORD, Ore. — If all goes according to plan, Southern Oregon residents will see smoke rising in the distance starting today. These will not be wildfires, however, but prescribed fires—controlled burns meant to consume dead foliage that could become dangerous fuel for a real wildfire.

CLICK HERE to read our previous story on prescribed fires and how fire managers conduct them.

Fires at the northern end of the Rogue and Applegate Valleys will begin on Monday, April 23, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM administers these lands. The prescribed fire locations are:

1. Near Cantrall Buckley Park in Jackson County. Smoke will be visible from Highway 238, and the communities of Ruch and Applegate.
2. The upper end of Thompson Creek, where it intersects Ninemile Creek. Expect 2-3 days of burning and smoke production with several days of mop-up and patrolling to follow. Smoke may be visible from the Applegate Valley and possibly Medford, Phoenix, Talent, and Ashland.
3. Three units above Upper Applegate road east of Star Ranger Station. Smoke will be visible from the Applegate Valley.
4. Trail Creek near Shady Cove. Smoke will be visible from the north end of the Rogue Valley.