Additional controlled burning is planned Friday morning, Jan. 19, at three different spots in the Ashland watershed, carrying on after about 100 acres were burned today, Jan. 18.

Friday's burns are set to take place about five miles up the Ashland Ski Road, at the upper end of Ashland Land Mine Road and near the 2060 and 2060-200 Road in the Horn Gap Area.

Roads and trails near the burns may be impacted by heat and smoke during the day, including the Horn Gap Trail. Smoke will also be visible on the east and west side of the Ashland Watershed and the western edge of town in the Wright's Creek area.

Burn bosses will check weather conditions to ensure burns happen under conditions optimal for smoke to move away from town, though citizens may smell light smoke at times. Controlled burns under safe conditions reduce the risk of severe summer wildfires and prolonged, dense smoke and protect forests, water supply, the economy and community.

A burn map and readings on Ashland’s air quality index will be posted at ashlandwatershed.org. Signups for a text alert service about controlled burns and other work in the Ashland watershed is also available on the website, or text WATERSHED to 31279. Information is also available by calling the smoke and wildfire hotline at 541-552-2490.

Air quality readings are also available at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/.

Lomakatsi Restoration Project, the city of Ashland, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and The Nature Conservancy are project partners.