November 19, 2024 - SONORA, Calif. —The Stanislaus National Forest plans to initiate pile burn operations this fall and winter, as weather patterns shift to cooler temperatures and wetter conditions.

Pile burning reduces hazardous fuels and wildfire risk to surrounding communities and natural resources.

Prescribed fire is an important tool used to meet management objectives for ecological restoration, creating habitat for plants and animals, and reducing unwanted fuel loading. Before forest employees implement any prescribed fire activity, appropriate weather and fuel moisture conditions must be met.

Smoke may be visible near the area of the burn piles, please do not report as a wildfire. The Stanislaus National Forest in conjunction with Tuolumne County Public Health has created a robust smoke ready website with resources and more information. Visit our smoke ready page.

Areas, where pile burns planned, include:

Mi-Wuk & Summit Ranger Districts: Upper Highway 108/Clark Fork, Pinecrest, Paper Cabin Ridge, Mt Provo, Niagara Creek, Mt. Knight, Hull Creek, Long Barn, Cedar Ridge, Beardsley Reservoir, Crandal Peak, & Cascade Creek.

Calaveras Ranger District: Arnold Avery Fuelbreak (White Pines area), Tamarack, McKays, Mattley Meadow area, Skyhigh, Black Springs, Bailey Valley, & Big Meadow.

Groveland Ranger District: Jawbone Ridge, Wilson Loop, Buck Meadows, Hardin Flat, Cherry Lake, Montgomery Gulch, Anderson Valley, & Pilot Ridge

Specific prescribed fire announcements will be posted at local Ranger District Offices, on the forest website, and through additional press releases with maps.

For more information, please call Benjamin Cossel, Public Affairs Officer, Stanislaus National Forest 209.288.6261 benjamin.cossel@usda.gov
Source: Stanislaus National Forest    Photo credit: USDA