April 7, 2026 - Sierra National Forest Fire Crews plan to conduct an understory prescribed burn on the Virginia Unit beginning 
Tuesday, April 7. The operation aims to accomplish nearly 300 acres and may continue through the end of the week. Ignitions will take place on the High Sierra Ranger District, specifically, between Forest Roads 10S02, 10S50, and 10S50X.
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Be advised, smoke may be visible from Shaver Lake, Dinkey Creek, Bretz Mill, and Peterson Mill. Firefighters will remain in patrol status following ignitions. Reintroducing fire on a rotational basis can restore natural intervals, enhance forest resilience and reinforce healthy forest ecosystems.
Similar to pile burning, understory burning is vital to forest health. It functions similarly to pile burning, but applies fire broadly across the forest floor. Understory burning also provides critical community protections through reduction of accumulated vegetation which can help fire suppression teams protect resources and nearby properties from catastrophic wildfire.
SNF Fire Management officials work with California Air Resources Board and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns.
Please use caution if traveling nearby and watch for fire crews and equipment on the road. If you see smoke or flames near the project area, please do not report it. Do not call 9-1-1.
More information on smoke impacts and how to mitigate exposure is available at www.airnow.gov and www.valleyair.org .
For more information on these prescribed fire projects and activity please contact the High Sierra Ranger District Office at 559-855-5355.
#SierraNF #PrescribedBurn #ForestHealth #BlueCanyon #WildfirePreparationSource: SNF
