Baker County to Burn Weeds at Hughes Lane Property Wednesday Morning

Smoke will be visible north of Baker City Wednesday morning when Baker County ignites weeds on its 62.5-acre Hughes Lane property, a burn originally planned for December before rain forced a delay.

Contractor Joe Hill, hired by county commissioners in early December, has confirmed the operation will begin after 10:30 a.m. on March 18, weather and conditions permitting. According to a Baker County press release, "conditions remain suitable to proceed with the burn, followed by revegetation efforts using a no-till drill," with seed establishment expected this season.

The county purchased the Hughes Lane property in late 2022 but has not developed it. Commissioners have discussed building an event center or housing on the site, though no decisions have been made. The burn is a first step in preparing the land: according to a December press release from the county, "the combination of burning and reseeding is expected to significantly reduce thistle density and create healthier plant growth by next season."

Baker County Emergency Management is overseeing the operation, with support from local rural fire protection districts whose volunteers will manage the perimeter. Fire personnel and equipment, including a water tender, will be staged on site to keep the burn controlled.

Drivers heading toward the area should watch for electronic message signs reading "Prescribed Burn Ahead," which the Baker County Road Department will deploy along the route. Reader boards will also be posted near the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife/Oregon Department of Forestry office on Hughes Lane near 10th Street, west of the county property, with additional signage coordinated with neighboring property owners.

"Residents may see smoke in the area during and after the burn," the county press release states. "This is a planned and carefully managed operation intended to reduce vegetation, improve land conditions, and support future land use goals for the property."

Residents who want a say in what ultimately happens at Hughes Lane have a venue: commissioners have scheduled a public town hall for March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Baker County Event Center, 2600 East St., to hear community input on possible uses for the property.