Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus National Forest provides the following information about planned prescribed burns for the South Fork Underburn on the Mi-Wok Ranger District, units 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the forest. General and Specific Location: The prescribed burns are located about 2.5 miles northeast of Twain Harte, along Forest Road 2N63 (Italian Bar Road), in the vicinity of the Twain Harte Horsemen’s Camp, Township 3N, Range 16E, Sections 26, 27, 33, and 34.

Projected Duration: The prescribed burn may begin in mid-May 2021 and continue through June, as long as conditions allow. Burning is contingent on weather, fuel moisture, and air quality. All burning is monitored and conducted in accordance with state and county air quality guidelines and closely coordinated with local county air quality control districts. This project is a planned prescribed fire. Please do not report as a wildfire.

Planned Size of Prescribed Burn: Up to 218 acres will be treated with low-intensity fire, with planned ignition on approximately 50-100 acres daily. Daily burn areas will vary based on environmental conditions and smoke production.

Type of Prescribed Burn: Underburn

Burn Project Objectives: The goal of this prescribed burn is to enhance public and firefighter safety by reducing the build-up of dead and down fuels and to reduce the threat of high-intensity wildfire while protecting watershed values and wildlife habitat.

Public Benefits: Prescribed burning is an effective, cost efficient method of reducing flammable forest fuels, improving firefighting capabilities, and reducing the impacts of large uncontrolled damaging wildland fires. Smoke may be visible from highways 4, 108 or 120 and surrounding communities. Fire managers are working closely with local air districts and the California Air Resources Board to mitigate the effects of smoke on the public.

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