January 31, 2018 - Prather, CA. - Fire Managers on the High Sierra Ranger District are planning to begin ignitions for the 702 acre Rush Creek understory beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Our initial push will be for three units totaling 237 acres (unit 1,3,5,6 see attached Maps), Using the advantage of favorable weather conditions, coupled with the cooler weather and shorter days it seems that there will be a good opportunity as long as the weather and air quality cooperate.

Fire personnel and equipment will be committed to this project until the treatment is extinguished as burn days permit. The 702 acre understory is broken up into several units and it is expected to take approximately one to two weeks to complete ignitions, with active burning being visible for several weeks after.

The Forest Service coordinates all burning activities with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to time the project to coincide with favorable weather conditions and smoke dispersion. Smoke may be visible from the greater Fresno/Clovis communities, and along Hwy168. Localized smoke impacts may be felt around Shaver Lake, Dinkey Creek and McKinley Grove roads.

For regional information about air quality, smoke conditions, and health effects, visit www.valleyair.org  or visit www.airnow.gov.

Visitors may see smoke, active fire, and firefighters during the burn, and are asked to drive slowly and carefully as they enjoy the Forest. For firefighter and public safety, signs will be posted along roadways where burning is taking place.

For questions regarding the Rush Creek prescribed fire, contact Adam Hernandez Fuels Specialist, High Sierra Ranger District Office at (559) 855-5355.

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Source: Sierra National Forest