The U.S. Forest Service is planning to burn around 550 acres in the Ochoco National Forest on Thursday.

The Forest Service plans to ignite grasses and other ground-based fuel in the McKay area, near the junction of Forest Service Roads 27 and 2705, about 14 miles northeast of Prineville, according to a news release from the federal agency. The burns would begin late Thursday morning and could continue on Friday if weather conditions allow it.

This burn is part of a larger 750-acre unit in the Ochoco National Forest that the Forest Service has been working on for several years. The goals of the project include improving habitat and forage quality for big game and livestock, as well as re-introducing fire to an ecosystem dominated by fir and ponderosa pine trees.

Smoke will be most visible from forest roads 27, 2705 and 33, and on adjacent roads, according to the release. No road closures are anticipated with this project.