May 8, 2023 - SONORA, California  – Fire managers with the Stanislaus National Forest’s Groveland Ranger District will begin prescribed fire operations in China Ridge area, May 8.

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. Smoke may be visible from Smith Station Road, and Highway 120 with some down canyon drift smoke visible in the evening and early morning.

Fire Managers will look to burn a total of 5,238 acres over the next five years and fire operations are contingent on weather, fuel moisture, and air quality. Ignitions could continue daily or as conditions allow. All burning is monitored and conducted in accordance with state and county air quality guidelines and closely coordinated with local county air quality control districts.  

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.

View Map of Prescribed Burn Area


Source: Stanislaus National Forest