October 24, 2026 - The High Sierra Ranger District on the Sierra National Forest, is planning to implement Prescribed Fire operations on the High Sierra Ranger District having met all required approvals.  Ignitions in the Barnes North and South areas are scheduled to begin Monday October 26th.  Fire Management staff estimate the two projects may continue through early November 2026 or as weather conditions allow.  Fire managers intend to continue prescribed fire operations throughout Fall 2026 into winter or spring 2027 weather permitting. 

Maps

The Forest Service uses 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:

• Understory Burning – Blue Canyon Area – Barnes North, 805 AC
  • Near Forest Service Roads 10S05 and 10S02
• Understory Burning – Blue Canyon Area – Barnes South, 1185 AC
  • Near Forest Service Roads 10S46, 10S02, and 10S05

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 and during 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 Prather, Tollhouse, Auberry, 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 not to report these projects through the 911 system.  

Smoke from the ignitions may be visible from: CA-HWY 168,  Dinkey Creek RD, Burrough Valley RD, Trimmer Springs Rd, the Valley Floor, 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