U.S. Fish and Wildlife plans controlled burns to improve habitat and reduce wildfire danger today through March 18 in the Mid-Columbia.

Fires are planned on the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, the Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge near Hermiston and Columbia National Wildlife Refuge near Othello.

Burning will be done when weather allows the best management of smoke. The controlled burns will remove overly crowded vegetation that does not provide good wildlife habitat and will help eradicate invasive species.