Sonora, CA…Fire personnel with the Stanislaus National Forest will begin burning accumulated hand and machine piles across all three Forest districts (Calaveras, Mi-Wok/Summit/Groveland). The prescribed burn may begin as early as November 2022 and continue through Spring of 2023 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.

With these burn operations, fire managers are looking to reduce the buildup of flammable forest fuels from timber sale created slash, hazard fuels reduction projects, fire related residue and tree mortality. In addition, the operations help create defensible space near communities and provide safe and effective areas for suppressing fires.

Prescribed low-intensity fires enhances wildlife habitat, protects and maintains water quality and soil productivity, improves forest ecosystem health, and reduce the threat of uncontrolled conflagrations. 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 primary roadways including State Highway 120, State Highway 4, and State Highway 108. Smoke may also be visible from secondary roads and in the 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.

Please do not report as a wildland fire.

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