Groveland, CA…Fire crews with the Stanislaus National Forest’s Groveland Ranger District began will begin broadcast/understory burning in the area of China Ridge, as soon as next week.  Located adjacent to the Groveland Ranger District office and following China Ridge south to Greeley Hill Road approximately 4 miles northeast of Greeley Hill.  The majority of the underburn is adjacent to Smith Station Rd, Greeley Hill Rd and Forest Road 2S05.

Depending upon weather conditions, fuel moistures and other factors, crews will look to burn from 50-200 acres daily targeting 1660 acres this season with a goal of burning more than 5000 acres over the next five years in the area.

Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal with pile burning operations but residents are encouraged to monitor air conditions via the AirNow.gov website and take appropriate actions when necessary. Additional Smoke resources are available via the Stanislaus National Forest’s Smoke Ready page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/SmokeReady

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