Dorrington, CA…Fire personnel with the Stanislaus National Forest’s Calaveras Ranger District will conduct prescribed burn operations near Dorrington. Ignition of the prescribed burn is expected to begin the first week of November and will continue up to seven days 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.

Characterized as an understory burn – a prescribed fire ignited under the forest canopy that focuses on the consumption of surface fuels but not the overstory vegetation – prescribed low-intensity fires enhances wildlife habitat, protects and maintains water quality and soil productivity, improves forest ecosystem health, and reduces the threat of uncontrolled conflagrations.

Crews hope to treat up to 33 acres with low-intensity fire. Daily area burnt will vary based on environmental conditions and smoke production. Crews on hand will consist of three engines, two hand crews, 1 water tender, one patrol unit, and one dozer in addition to various overhead personnel.

The Sierra Nevada is a fire dependent ecosystem, where fire is a critical part of the natural forest process and helps to maintain resilient forests.

Smoke may be visible from Hwy. 4. Fire managers are working closely with local air districts and the California Air Resources Board to Mitigate the effects of smoke on the public.

Please do not report as a wildland fire.

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