Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area fire managers are planning a prescribed burn in the east end of the Gorge Thursday and Friday.  It will take place in the Courtney Road area of Klickitat County.  Smoke may be visible on the east end of the Gorge from both Washington Highway 14 and Interstate 84 at times during the burns.  Where necessary, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights.  The burn is being coordinated with local fire districts and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.  Prescribed burns are a proactive tool used by fire managers to reduce the threat of wildfire by removing overgrown vegetation, considered “fuel loads” by fire specialists, due to their tendency to easily spark and contribute to the growth of wildfire.