Valley Springs, CA…CAL FIRE recently partnered with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) to conduct a Vegetation Management Project (VMP) in the South Shore Camanche area, a project that later proved instrumental in the suppression efforts of the Turkey Fire.

On June 2–3, 2026, CAL FIRE and EBMUD completed a VMP along Pattison Road, just south of the area where the Turkey Fire would later occur. The project was conducted under specific environmental conditions to meet multiple objectives, including reducing hazardous vegetation and wildfire risk, improving wildlife habitat, and enhancing overall ecosystem health.

On June 10, 2026, CAL FIRE and EBMUD personnel responded to the Turkey Fire, which ignited north of the recently completed VMP. Under prevailing north wind conditions, the fire spread south toward the treated area. The proximity of the fuel reduction project to the fire’s origin provided firefighters with a strategic advantage, aiding suppression efforts on the western edge of the incident and helping slow fire spread as it approached the treated fuels.

The successful outcome highlights the value of proactive vegetation management and the strong partnership between CAL FIRE and EBMUD. The collaboration not only reduced wildfire hazards prior to the incident but also improved access and situational awareness for responding personnel, contributing to a more effective and coordinated firefighting effort.

For additional information on vegetation management and prescribed fire visit: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/natural-resource-management/prescribed-fire

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