WINTHROP – The Methow Valley Ranger District completed its controlled burns prior to the beginning of fire season.
     District officials said 2,805 acres, including 1,200 acres in the Yockey and Leecher Thin areas, were burned. Firefighters controlled the flames and eliminated brush and other fuels in the prescribed burns.
     “We know that smoke is a concern for many area business owners and residents,” said District Ranger Mike Liu.
     “Treating with prescribed fire improves forest ecosystem health and reduces the threat from wild land fire,” he said. “It also allows for better control over burn intensity, resulting in less smoke than would be present during a wild land fire.”