December 3, 2025 - Prather, CA. – The High Sierra Ranger District on the Sierra National Forest (SNF),  is planning to continue pile burning operations on the High Sierra Ranger District through Mid December of 2025, pending all required approvals, or as weather conditions allow. The Forest uses prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, natural resources from wildfires, and prepare for Reforestation. This prescribed burn is a multi agency operation in cooperation with CalFire Fresno -Kings Unit and, The Nature Conservancy (TNC Module).

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

• Vincent Fuel Break, East of Mountain Rest Fire Station, off Peterson RD and 10S02B/10S02C
• Upper Sycamore Fuel Break, East of Mountain Rest Fire Station, off Cripe RD and Peterson RD
• Beal Fuel Break, between Auberry RD and HWY 168, off Beal Fire RD(10S307) and HWY 168
• Acorn/Sugarloaf Fuel Break, West of Meadow Lakes, off 9S08(Sugarloaf RD) and 9S08W
• Barnes Mtn Disposal Area, Near Blue Canyon, off 9S05 and 9S04

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 Tollhouse, Auberry, Pine Ridge, Cressman’s, 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 Tollhouse RD, Auberry RD,  HWY 168,  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.  

For more information on these prescribed fire projects and activity please contact the High Sierra Ranger District Office at 559-855-5355.

Source: Sierra National Forest