With cooler temperatures, shorter days and rain returning, fire management staff on the Mt. Hood National Forest will be starting fall pile burning as early as next week.  The controlled burns are intended to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and restore local ecosystems to a healthier condition.  Pile burning is expected to continue over the next several weeks or months, depending on weather conditions.  Crews ignite piles in the morning and early afternoon to allow fuels to burn down prior to evening.  Burn units are monitored by firefighters until they are declared out.  Piles are created during hazardous fuels reduction projects, fire suppression, timber sales, and timber stand improvement projects designed to improve landscape resilience to disease and disturbance.  Roadside slash piles created during fire line construction as part of the 2020 White River Fire will be targeted as well.