Sonora, CA…The South Fork prescribed burn, a jackpot prescribed fire, began yesterday. As of end of shift Tuesday, approximately 60 acres were accomplished, meeting our primary objective of over 80% consumption of the piles. We are hoping to finish the majority today with another 30 acres, but it may push into Thursday. The burn will be ignited in sections of one to 50 acre units located within the 186 acre South Fork Prescribed Fire project area, specifically located at: Township 3N, Range 16E, Section 34, along South Fork Road (Forest Road 2N63).

Smoke may be visible from Hwy. 108 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. Thank you for your cooperation!

Prescribed fires are conducted when weather and fuel moisture conditions are within prescription to safely accomplish the project objectives. By prescribing the fire under optimum weather conditions, managers simulate the natural role of fire. This reduces forest competition, opens gaps in the forest canopy for sunlight to shine through, and recycles nutrients to the soil for re-growth. The goal of this prescribed burn is to enhance public and firefighter safety by maintaining a fuelbreak and further reduce the threat of high-intensity wildfire to protect watershed values and wildlife habitat by creating a mosaic pattern of vegetation.