The Chronicle

     TONASKET – Forest fire crews are expected to turn their attention to the Methow Valley on May 9 after Tonasket Ranger District of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest wrapped up its spring prescribed burning goals.
     U.S. Forest Service firefighters began working the Leecher Mountain area, about 11 miles southeast of Twisp, as Tonasket crews finished their work on Bannon Mountain.
     “Even as crews move on to new treatment units, firefighters will continue patrolling the areas that were lit this spring,” spokeswoman Shannon O’Brien said Wednesday.
     Prescribed burns included treating areas to clean up debris left behind by thinning operations, some are being cleared in preparation for tree planing and others are set afire to improve conditions for natural tree regeneration, she said.
     More information on prescribed burns in the Methow Valley is available by calling 509-996-4040. Updates on Tonasket-area burns can be obtained by calling 509-486-5158.