Sonora, CA…Progress continues on the Stanislaus National Forest’s Mi-Wok/Summit Ranger District fall prescribed burning season as part of the Forest Services’ Wildfire Crisis Strategy and ten-year, 305,000 acre plan.

Through mechanical thinning and the application of prescribed fire U.S. Forest Service personnel work to increase protection of life, property, and resources by minimizing the threat of uncontrolled wildland fire through the reduction of flammable forest fuels, both ground and ladder fuels

Ignition and fire activity will be driven by weather constraints as optimal conditions are needed to conduct prescription burning. Smoke will be visible from Hwy. 108 and smoke may impact the area during active burning and immediately after. As smoldering continues, minimal smoke will remain for a limited time. Fire managers are working closely with local air districts and the California Air Resources Board to mitigate the effects of smoke on the public. Ignition pauses are expected if smoke becomes too invasive.

Yesterday, control lines along the upper and eastern border were fired and improved to ensure containment of the prescription as Beardsley Unit 2 Aerial ignitions by USFS drone were completed from the eastern edge to the Beardsley Dam. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) crews timed out last evening.

Today, wildland firefighters will continue firing operations through traditional means, bringing fire down to the lake and continuing west to work along the upper road bordering unit 2. If visiting the area above the Beardsley Dam or Dry Meadow, please expect traffic delays as crews work along the road.

Smoke: The amount of smoke in the air is carefully planned for. Burn Bosses are in close alignment with and get approvals from the Tuolumne County Pollution Control District https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/tuolumne-county-air-pollution-control-district each day to burn the maximum amount of acreage that will not negatively impact air quality to an unsafe level. Additionally, firefighters monitoring smoke are staged around the vicinity of the fire to adjust tactics to minimize smoke impacts. A particulate monitor has also been placed at the Strawberry store to get a more accurate reading of smoke levels in the area.

If possible, minimize outdoor activity if you are sensitive to smoke. Smoke does tend to settle in low-lying areas in the evenings to the mornings, so camping and recreating in this vicinity is not advised. To check air quality, visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

Please do not report as a wildfire.

For more information please contact the Beardsley Fire Public Information officer, Melanie Banton: melanie_banton@firenet.gov

Any other questions or concerns should be directed to Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel: benjamin.cossel@usda.gov or 209.288.6261.