May 2, 2020 - Clovis, Calif. – The Pacific Southwest Region is moving forward with prescribed fire operations as conditions and resources permit. Previously, 
the region had postponed prescribed fires to reduce potential smoke impacts to communities while public health officials considered the interactions of smoke with COVID-19 effects; and to ensure our emergency response resources were putting into place proper procedures to mitigate COVID-19 risks.
Regional Forester Randy Moore stated, “To date we have accomplished a lot of important fuels reduction projects this year with our partners to protect communities and reduce the risks of catastrophic wildland fires. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of communities and firefighters during this global and national emergency, and will also conduct prescribed fire where feasible as an important tool to protect communities and natural resources as we prepare for the upcoming peak fire season.”
Prescribed fire is an important tool in the protection of communities and forests from large scale wildfire. Continuing our service to you while doing our part to address the COVID-19 Pandemic is our priority.
The Forest Service manages 18 national forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists state and private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 50 percent of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.
Please call your local Sierra National Forest Office, Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.sierranfinfo@usda.gov for current Forest information.
• Bass Lake Ranger District Office: 559-877-2218
• High Sierra Ranger district Office: 559-855-5355
• Supervisors Office: 559-297-0706
Be informed, follow our webpage www.fs.usda.gov/sierra, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SierraNF, and Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sierra_NF
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together, in keeping our forests safe and healthy for everyone.
Source: Sierra National Forest - Photo Credit: USDA
