November 3, 2021 - Prather, CA. – Sierra National Forest (SNF): With the changing seasons, the High Sierra Ranger District announces the fall/winter/spring prescribed burn season, with the arrival of 
cooler weather and increased moisture leading to desired prescribed burning conditions. Due to reduced fire activity throughout the state and across the country, SNF fire crews have returned from their fire assignments, becoming available to support and manage local prescribed fire projects. This work is a proactive approach to fire and vegetation (fuels) management in the SNF and Sierra Nevada, lessening the impact and intensity of catastrophic wildfire seen during the year, providing healthier resource conditions, and increasing protection to our mountain communities.
SNF Fire managers expect to begin ignitions in November. Active ignitions will continue throughout the fall, winter, and spring months, November – March, as weather, smoke dispersion impacts, and fire resources conditions allow. Ignitions may extend further into the spring months, March - May if conditions remain optimal for prescribed fire activity.
The Forest Service coordinates all burning activities with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and National Weather Service in Hanford to time the project to coincide with favorable weather conditions and smoke dispersion. For information on smoke impacts and how to mitigate exposure please follow the link provided www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.
Please see the attached map for general locations. Many of the prescribed fire units were partially or fully impacted by the 2020 Creek incident. However, most of these piles did not burn during the incident due to machinery disturbed ground during burn pile construction, and Creek Fire suppression/repair activity. Winter fine vegetation green up (new grasses) now provides favorable conditions to begin prescribed fire ignitions and activity.
Burning operations will be visible from portions of Highway 168, Auberry Road, Peterson Road, Dinkey Creek Road as well as other major roadways throughout the District. Smoke may also be visible from various vantage points in the Foothill and Mountain communities in Fresno County, North Fork and Bass Lake in Madera County and the greater Fresno/Clovis/Madera region. The prescribed fire projects will be patrolled and monitored daily during the project required multi-day burn phase, and while all signs of smoke and heat dissipate.
A public notice will be issued through the forest’s FaceBook and Twitter accounts prior to significant prescribed burns taking place. Additionally, signs will be placed strategically in the areas of these projects to inform the visiting public of these operations for public and firefighter safety. For more information on these prescribed fire projects and activity please contact the High Sierra Ranger District Office at 559-588-5355.
Source: SNF Photo credit: USDA
