Forest To Begin Prescribed Fire Operations

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Sonora, CA — Prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuels are planned to begin late this month across the Stanislaus National Forest (STF).  

Prescribed burns are used to clear excessive vegetation and safeguard residents, infrastructure, and natural resources from the worst effects of wildfires. Forest officials report that, allowing for weather conditions, operations are planned through the beginning of November at these locations:

1. On the Mi Wok/Summit Ranger District, crews will burn near Pinecrest in the Experimental Forest area, along Forest Service Road 4N26 (Crabtree Road) and Forest Service Roads 4N10 and 4N70.
2. On the Calaveras Ranger District, crews will focus efforts along Forest Service Road 6N58A and Forest Service Road 6N59.

“Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities,” noted forest officials. “While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.”

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. Forest officials provided these tips for dealing with the smoky conditions during burns: 

• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights, and turn air to recirculate.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel, and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• Visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. Weather conditions are evaluated regularly, up to hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.