Sierra National Forest  announces winter prescribed fire projects

Release Date: Jan 21, 2021

Prather, CA., January 21, 2021 – The Sierra National Forest (SNF) High Sierra Ranger District intends to start prescribed fire operations.  Planned prescribed fire projects are designed to further the ongoing work to create/install and maintain fuel breaks critical to infrastructure and community protection, restore resilient landscapes, develop, and continue developing fire resilient landscapes.

By burning during cooler and wetter times of the year, these burns are less intense, easier to control and produce significantly less smoke than a wildfire during the summer months. Projects are being planned to begin January 22, 2021 and continue intermittently through May 30, 2021 in areas across the whole of the High Sierra Ranger District.  These projects can be terminated depending on weather conditions, wildfires in the region, and ecological/environmental factors.  The Forest Service coordinates all burning activities with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and National Weather Service in Hanford to time the project to coincide with favorable weather conditions and smoke dispersion. Prescribed Fire Managers will coordinate with adjoining land managers and cooperating agencies CAL FIRE, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison to coordinate operations to maximize efficiencies and provide mutual support.  Internal coordination efforts for these recurring fire treatments are designed to maintain the effectiveness of this protection system, as well as to help promote a healthy ecosystem.

Burning operations will be visible from portions of Highway 168, Dinkey Creek Road, Auberry Road, Peterson Road, as well as other major roadways through the District.  Smoke may be visible from various vantage points in the Foothill and Mountain communities in Fresno County and possibly the greater Fresno/Clovis community, and communities in Madera County may be able to see smoke and or flames from portions of some projects. For information on smoke impacts and how to mitigate exposure please follow the link provided www.airnow.gov.

Most of the projects are planned to be conducted over a one to two day duration, however a few will require multiple successive days of ignitions.  All project areas will be signed to identify the project and provide for public and firefighter safety.  Residents and Forest Visitors should expect to see residual smoke and flame inside project areas after the initial ignitions are completed.  These fires will be patrolled and monitored, where these prescribed fire projects require a multi-day burn down phase before all signs of smoke to dissipate.

Information posters containing general maps will be placed in the foothill and mountain communities. Questions regarding prescribed fire operations on the Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District can be directed to 559-855-5355.