Sonora, CA…Weather and conditions dependent, fire managers with the Stanislaus National Forest’s Groveland Ranger District will begin prescribed fire operations near the Yosemite National Park Merced Grove and following Old Yosemite Road to Pilot Peak Lookout to the west approximately 3 miles south of Hwy 120.

Groveland Crews will attempt to burn 275 acres in Unit 1 along forest roads 2S32 and 2S02 (Domingo Flat) beginning, Friday, Oct. 27. A total of up to 11911 acres will be treated over the next 5 years with low-intensity fire, with planned ignition on approximately 50- 100 acres daily. Size of burn may vary with weather and fuel moisture conditions, as well as permissible air quality burn days.

With the prescribed burn, fire professional will reduce the buildup of flammable forest fuels, both ground fuels and ladder fuels; reduce the threat of uncontrolled, large and damaging fires; treat activity generated fuels; improve protection for life, property, and resources.

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 Yosemite National Park, Greeley Hill, El Portal and Highway 120 with some down canyon drift smoke visible in the evening and early morning, please do not report as a wild fire.