State University, Private Landowners, and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, aim to reduce large conflagrative fires and high suppression costs, to the citizens of California, by conducting a prescribed burn along the Highway 41 corridor June 1st. Historically, this stretch of Highway 41 has proven to have more fires annually than anywhere else within the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU). The prescribed burn encompasses the eastside of Hwy 41 from the Madera canal (Mile Marker 6.95) to Rd 200 (Mile Marker 17.91) in O’Neals. This project will help reduce the fire threat to unincorporated communities around Coarsegold, O’Neals and Hidden Lakes, which are isolated residential areas located along the Highway 41 corridor.
The following day is scheduled if current weather conditions remain stable and resources are available to conduct firing activity:
June 1- Road 200 South / Rocky Cut (M.M 17.91 – M.M 14.035) Burning will take place between 6:30pm till Midnight. Traffic may slow or stop within this section for a minimal amount of time. Smoke and fire activity on cut banks with narrow shoulders along the Highway may affect roadway conditions.
Please watch for crews and use caution when driving. There will be smoldering heavier fuels throughout the night with crews monitoring the fire. This is a control burn so please do not report if you are in the project area.
For more information visit Fire.ca.gov
Source: CAL FIRE
