November 12, 2025 - Prather, CA. - The High Sierra Ranger District on the Sierra National Forest,  is planning to implement pile burning operations on the High Sierra Ranger District this November 2025, pending all required approvals.  Fire Management staff estimate this work to continue through Mid December of 2025 or as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, natural resources from wildfires, and prepare for Reforestation

Prescribed fire operations are planned for the following sites on the High Sierra Ranger District:

• Mushroom Timber Sale, Near Mushroom Rock off FSRD 8S32 and 8S304(Dowville West).
• Tamarack Site Prep, Near Tamarack Mountain/Coyote SNO-Park off FSRD 9S27 and CA HWY 168.

Fire management officials work with California Air Resources Board and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District(SJVAPCD) smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. 

What does this mean for you?

• During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• For information on smoke impacts and how to mitigate exposure please follow the link provided www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

Residents and Visitors to Huntington Lake, Big Creek, China Peak, Shaver Lake and other Mountain Communities may see smoke and flames from the project areas.  Residents and Visitors are encouraged to not report the project through the 911 system.  Smoke from the ignition may be visible from Huntington Lake RD,  HWY 168,  Shaver Lake, the ALERTCalifornia.org camera network, and other vantage points. Forest Visitors are encouraged to use caution and be on the lookout for fire crews and personnel when traveling near and through the Prescribed Burn areas.  

 Source: SNF